Annual Thanksgiving Gravy Chase Raises Funds for Boone County Youth
The Boys & Girls Club of Boone County is gearing up for its biggest fundraiser of the year — the annual Thanksgiving morning Gravy Chase.
It’s been nine years since the event began in Zionsville, and just a few years later, a second Gravy Chase was launched in Lebanon — both growing exponentially.
“Last year, Zionsville had around 3,400 people in attendance. My three young children and my wife run the race every year. They enjoy it and love being a part of it,” says Eric Richards, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Boone County. “I think many would call it a family and community tradition in both towns.”
Both races will begin at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 27. Participants can choose between a 2.2-mile walk or a 4-mile run, and all ages are welcome. Serious runners have the option for electronic timing, while walkers can bring the entire family — from grandparents to children in strollers.
“The event is full of families, and it’s multi-generational too,” Richards adds. “It works well. We have college kids coming back into town, and now grandparents, parents and grandchildren are involved. It doesn’t take all day. If you’re cooking, there’s plenty of time to get back home, or even if you need to drive somewhere, you can participate in Gravy Chase and move on with your day pretty quickly.”
Awards go to the top performers in a variety of age group categories, and the funds raised go toward a meaningful cause.
“These funds go toward our day-to-day activities,” Richards says. “It’s extremely hard to raise dollars, and events like this are critical to keep the doors open at all three Boys & Girls Clubs in Boone County.”
The organization operates units in Lebanon, Whitestown and Zionsville, serving more than 425 youth each day and more than 6,000 members ages 5 to 18 throughout the year.
“We are seeing a record number of scholarships at low or no charge for those who qualify,” Richards adds. “Funds from Gravy Chase help with transportation, staff salaries before and after school, and literally keeping the lights on.”
Funds also support building maintenance and ongoing facility needs.
“Lebanon opened its doors more than 70 years ago,” Richards says. “Zionsville opened more than 40 years ago. Not only does that create a need to update our physical facilities, but it also means most people have experienced the club in one way or another during their lifetime.”
Perhaps a grandparent, parent or grandchild participated in the largest rec basketball league in Boone County through the Boys & Girls Club, or maybe they attended summer camp or one of the middle school dances.
Regardless of the program, Richards says the cost parents pay often doesn’t cover actual operating expenses.
“Fifty percent of our operating expenses come from philanthropic sources, which equals over one million dollars. That’s how we keep our doors open,” Richards says. “We really want to raise awareness about the need to increase philanthropic support. The more dollars we have, the more affordable these programs can be for families.”
Richards says to look for a special announcement in the fourth quarter of 2025 regarding a new partnership and exciting project forthcoming.
Register to participate in the annual Gravy Chase at bgcboone.org/events-news/gravy-chase.
