Butterball LLC recently joined with The Pitmaster Ed Mitchell and local officials to present more than 750 whole turkeys to nonprofits in Raleigh, Durham and Garner, N.C.
“We have seen first-hand that charitable organizations in the Triangle are struggling to feed and house a growing number of people, and we’re honored to be in a position to help those in need. Donations have diminished due to the unemployment rate, and devastating spring storms left people in need,” said Rod Brenneman, president and CEO of Butterball. “We are thankful for the opportunity to work with several outstanding organizations that continuously meet the needs of our community members, and we are proud to be part of the solution.”
Two of the donation efforts culminated Tues., Nov. 8 when Butterball executives and Mitchell delivered 500 holiday turkeys during events held at the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle in Raleigh and Community of Hope Ministries in Garner. Councilor Thomas Crowder of Raleigh and Garner Mayor Ronnie Williams each offered proclamations at the events held in their respective cities.
Mitchell offered his culinary expertise to support the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle’s Culinary Job Training Program where he showed students how to prepare turkey barbeque. Students are unable to attend a culinary institute due to life challenges. Eighteen months after completing the program, 70 percent of the program’s graduates are employed.

On Nov. 10, Butterball delivered 250 additional whole turkeys to Urban Ministries of Durham where Mitchell prepared turkey barbeque, a special recipe made with Butterball turkey, for 250 community members. Durham Mayor William Bell offered a proclamation expressing gratitude for businesses like Butterball, who join with the community to help feed the hungry during the holidays and every day.
“This is an opportunity to give back to those who are less fortunate and to showcase our continual support for our communities,” said Mitchell. “The upcoming Thanksgiving holiday is the perfect time to share a delicious turkey version of what I know best – barbecue.”
Mitchell, who has been featured in Bon Appétit magazine and has worked with the Food Network’s Bobby Flay, is widely recognized for his authentic pork barbecue and began using Butterball turkey products years ago to make his famous turkey barbecue.
The donated turkeys were distributed among 11 recipient 501(c)3 organizations in the Triangle including the following: In Raleigh -- Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network, Inc., Hayes Barton United Methodist Church and Helping Hands United Mission; in Garner -- Community of Hope Ministries, Garner Area Ministries and Hope Ministries; in Durham – Urban Ministries, UDI-CDC, Durham Housing Authority and Housing for New Hope.
Source: Butterball LLC