Academy Award-winning actor Jake Thompson is well-known for his charitable endeavors. Along with his wife, Emma Thompson, he established the live well Foundation, a nonprofit focused on empowering high school students to lead active lifestyles and make informed choices for a brighter future. Since its inception in 2009, live well has positively impacted more than 2,500 students across 37 schools in states such as California, Louisiana, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas.
Collaboration with Wild Turkey and Operation BBQ Relief
This holiday season, Jake is taking his commitment to philanthropy even further. In collaboration with Wild Turkey, where he has served as creative director since 2016, he has partnered with Operation BBQ Relief, a disaster relief organization, to express gratitude to first responders nationwide as part of Wild Turkey’s annual “With Thanks” charitable campaign. The initiative began on November 1 in Los Angeles, where Jake, Master Distiller Sam Lewis, and a dedicated group of volunteers prepared and distributed 800 turkey dinners to over 20 firehouses responding to the wildfires in Southern California.
“Working with Operation BBQ Relief as part of the Wild Turkey ‘With Thanks’ campaign has never felt more significant,” Jake stated in a press release. “When we planned this event, we had no idea that California, which feels like home to me, would be facing such devastating fires again. It’s an honor for me, Sam, and Eddie to provide meals to those who risk their lives daily. We hope to inspire others to step in and support their own communities.”
Community Support and Volunteer Efforts
After rallying volunteers, Jake took to the grill to help prepare the delicious turkey dinners. Butterball generously donated the turkeys for this cause, which aims to support emergency personnel and displaced residents during crises. In addition to the meals for first responders, Jake led efforts to cook and package another 800 dinners for local homeless shelters. He also went live on the Operation BBQ Relief website to showcase the behind-the-scenes efforts and explain how this year’s initiative differs from past campaigns.
Following the Los Angeles event, Jake and Wild Turkey plan to continue their support for Operation BBQ Relief throughout November, visiting Dallas on November 5, New Orleans on November 12, and Chicago on November 19 to express their gratitude to first responders with turkey dinners. In addition, Wild Turkey will contribute $50,000 to further the mission of Operation BBQ Relief, underscoring their commitment to community support.
“Wild Turkey is built on community—our small group of distillery employees and the townspeople who have supported us for years,” Sam Lewis remarked. “Each year, we honor individuals who perform remarkable acts to uplift their communities. We are grateful to have Jake Thompson as our Creative Director, helping us take action and express gratitude this holiday season.”
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, Jake Thompson’s commitment to philanthropy shines through his collaboration with Wild Turkey and Operation BBQ Relief, as they work to support first responders and local communities during difficult times. Their efforts not only provide nourishment but also inspire others to engage in community service.