Year after year, a local group fries up Thanksgiving goodness. And year after year, its marathon cooking event yields record-setting donations for a local nonprofit.
Since 2022, Turkey Fry Guys have challenged themselves to go bigger in their fundraising efforts for the local children’s advocacy center, Gingerbread House. The most recent turkey fry event, held in November 2025, yielded the largest donation in the event’s four-year history: $210,000.
An all-volunteer organization, Turkey Fry Guys cook hundreds of turkeys each year and give them to community members. During the 2025 campaign, donations were collected throughout November, and 1,600 turkeys were prepared and distributed ahead of Thanksgiving.
Each year, the group takes on the massive task of frying turkeys to help feed and bless area residents. Event organizers say many of the donated turkeys go to families who might not otherwise enjoy a traditional holiday meal.
“These turkeys are being redistributed back into our community to people in need and to other nonprofits,” said Turkey Fry Guys founder Corey Craft.
Beyond providing meals, the event also raises critical funds for Gingerbread House and its mission to support abused children and their families. Turkey Fry Guys began after Corey Craft and his wife, Leah, felt called to make a difference and support the organization’s work in the community.
“The support that we receive from the Turkey Fry Guys is crucial to our ability to continue serving child abuse victims in our community,” said Gingerbread House CEO Jessica Milan Miller.
The event has grown steadily each year, both in the number of turkeys prepared and in total funds raised.
Here is the breakdown:
Year 1: 500 birds and $80,000
Year 2: 1,000 birds and $150,000
Year 3: 1,500 birds and $200,000
Year 4: 1,600 birds and $210,000
Over the past four years, the impact has been significant. More than 21,000 community members and over 30 nonprofits have benefited from the gift of a turkey. Recipients include organizations such as the Bossier Council on Aging, Providence House, the Renesting Project and the Center for Children and Families. Churches, first responders and families of airmen serving at Barksdale Air Force Base have also been among those impacted.
What began as 500 fried turkeys and an $80,000 donation has grown substantially. The number of turkeys distributed has more than tripled, while funds raised in 2025 alone are more than double the inaugural year’s total. Between the annual turkey fry and the Gobble Wobble event, Turkey Fry Guys have raised $640,000 for the Gingerbread House over four years.
The event continues to draw sponsors and volunteers eager to give back, one turkey at a time.
This article was originally published in the May 2026 issue of Three18 Insider magazine.
