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PD Collects Thousands of Donations During 14th Annual Gil Murdock Turkey Trot

 

The Providence Day School community donated 9,757 food items for Second Harvest Food Bank along with 8,095 diapers and 2,538 wipes for Bright Blessings during the 14th Annual Gil Murdock Turkey Trot and food/supplies drive from November 17-19, 2021. 

Donations of canned goods, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene items were collected in six locations around campus during morning carpool while students “trotted” during PE classes throughout the event. Parents were invited to join their children on the track and many Lower School families participated together on the final day of the Turkey Trot. 

“First and foremost, I'd like for the PD community to remember why this event takes place. It is in honor of a beloved faculty member, Gil Murdock, who had a passion for community service,” says event organizer and longtime Middle School PE teacher and PD coach Jim Cerbie. “This event started in 2008 and since that time we have donated over 69,000 food items to Second Harvest Food Bank. I know Gil would be very pleased with the impact this event has had on the Charlotte community.” 

“The PD community showed up this year and helped us have one of our best years,” said Kristie Oglesby, Lower School PE teacher, PD coach, and event organizer. “It was great to partner with one of our Middle School students, Shaili Vemuri ‘26, who came to us early on to ask if we could include the diaper collection in our Turkey Trot donations. It was an excellent addition to our collection for a wonderful organization, Bright Blessings. In addition, it was so great to have our families back on campus again this year to participate in the Turkey Trot.” 

 

 

Gilmer “Gil” L. Murdock, Jr.’s distinguished career at PD began in 1971 when he was hired to develop and run the physical education department and the athletic program. He served as athletic director for 11 years and was responsible for starting the majority of sports teams on campus. Over the years, he coached many teams and was the first head coach of the basketball, baseball, tennis, football, cross-country, track, and golf teams. In 1972, Murdock created the girls’ athletic program, starting with volleyball and basketball. In 1976, he started the football program, which he coached for three years. 

Coach Murdock won three North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association state titles in boys’ golf (1995, 1999, 2001) and two in girls’ cross country (1997, 1998). His son, Robert, was on the golf team that won the state title in 1995. In 1997, the PD baseball field was dedicated in his honor. Not only was Coach Murdock a great coach, but he was also a beloved teacher, colleague, advisor, cheerleader, and friend to all. He came to school every day looking forward to the opportunities to teach our students about respect, compassion, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. He was a role model for PD students, faculty, staff, and parents for 35 years. Coach Murdock passed away in June of 2006.

 

We were honored to have Linda Murdock join the 14th Annual Gil Murdock Turkey Trot.

Click on the image above for event highlights!