Fountain Hills Mayor Gerry Friedel was the first mayor to participate in the town’s annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day and in doing so created the Mayor’s Challenge to benefit Extended Hands Food Bank. Fridel challenged all the 3,000 participants and for any runner who crossed the finish line before him, he would donate a dollar of his salary to the food bank.

Friedel estimated that 500 runners would beat him, which would be approximately one month’s mayor’s salary. He had 17 businesses and individuals match his challenge, which will garner approximately $10,500 for the local food bank.

Friedel crossed the finished line as 360, which means $360, but said he will still donate the total month’s salary of $500 to the cause.

“If my matches do the same, we will have raised approximately $10,500 for our Extended Hands Food Bank through the Mayor’s Challenge 2025,” Friedel said in a press release. “Outstanding work and thank you to all who supported this worthy cause for our community.”