SONOMA, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2018) - Sonoma Raceway kicked off its season of giving today with the 18th annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, which runs through Nov. 19.

Race fans and community members can donate non-perishable food items at several North Bay locations, and all food collected will be distributed to two Sonoma County food banks: Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH) and the Redwood Empire Food Bank in Santa Rosa.

The raceway's annual food drive has distributed more than 36 tons of food since its inception in 2000, including 4,486-pounds of food and more than $2,500 in donations from to the food banks in 2017.

"FISH is honored to once again benefit from Sonoma Raceway's generosity," said Sandy Drew, member of the FISH Steering Committee and Holiday Food Basket volunteer. "Last year, not only did they deliver a big batch of non-perishable food, but also a generous cash donation collected through the food drive. Through its donations, the raceway helps to make an invaluable impact on our neighbors in need in Sonoma Valley."

Recommended non-perishable food items include dry rice, dried or boxed milk, canned corn, peas, tomatoes and tuna. Food items can be dropped off in the collection bins at the following locations:

  • Sonoma Raceway (at Gate 1 or the main office), 29355 Arnold Dr., 800-870-RACE (7223), SonomaRaceway.com.    
  • Sonoma Valley Fire & Rescue Authority, 630 2nd Street West, Sonoma. (707) 996-2102, svfra.org.
  • Schell-Vista Fire Station, 22950 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476, (707) 938-2633, schellvistafire.com
  • Sonoma Market, 500 West Napa Street, Sonoma, 707-996-3411, sonoma-glenellenmkt.com
  • Glen Ellen Village Market, 13751 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen, 707-996-6728, sonoma-glenellenmkt.com
  • RKA, 7694 Bell Road, Windsor, (707) 836-7659, rka-luggage.com.
  • Food items or donations can also be mailed to the raceway: Jen Imbimbo, 29355 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA, 95476.

Windsor's RKA Motorcycle Luggage will continue its annual tradition of hosting a motorcycle group ride on Sunday, Nov. 18, which will include a pit stop at Sonoma Raceway to drop off collected food items and take a spin around the Sonoma Raceway road course. Riders can also participate in a raffle and enjoy lunch at the Raceway Café. For more information and to sign up for the ride, visit www.rka-luggage.com.

In response to the great need of rebuilding Sonoma County, the REFB launched the Gallaher Challenge. Through this unique giving opportunity, the Gallaher family will personally match all new and increased giving to the REFB through Dec. 31, 2018. The family has committed to matching up to $1 million dollars. To learn more about the Gallaher Challenge In Support of Redwood Empire Food Bank, please visit www.refb.org/gallaher-challenge-2/.

FISH (www.friendsinsonomahelping.org) has been helping Sonoma Valley residents in times of need since 1970 and provides not only food, but clothing, transportation and emergency rental assistance to Sonoma Valley residents in need. FISH has been a beneficiary of the raceway's food drive since its inception in 2001. In 2017, FISH distributed 570 food baskets impacting more than 2,200 individuals. Though much food is donated, each food basket costs an additional $36 because they include fresh eggs, produce, shelf stable products and a $25 gift card supported by cash contributions to FISH.

For more information about the food drive, visit www.SonomaRaceway.com or contact Jen Imbimbo at [email protected] or 707-933-3981.