11/06/2026
Beyond the Beach: Midgett Realty Gives Back
Series 1: Going the Extra Mile for Hatteras Island Students
At Midgett Realty, our roots run deep on Hatteras Island. For generations, we’ve had the privilege of calling this remarkable stretch of coastline home, building lasting relationships with the people and organizations that make our community so special. While we’re best known for helping families create unforgettable Outer Banks vacations, our commitment to Hatteras Island extends far beyond the homes we manage.
Giving back to the community that has supported us for so many years is an important part of who we are. From supporting local organizations to investing in the next generation of island residents, we believe that a thriving Hatteras Island begins with the people who call it home.
One of the ways we’re proud to put that commitment into action is through our longstanding partnership with the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund (HIYEF).
Going the Extra Mile for Hatteras Island Students
For 15 years, the Surfin’ Turkey 5K has brought runners, walkers, families, and friends together in Hatteras Village on Thanksgiving morning for a tradition that celebrates community, camaraderie, and a little exercise before the holiday feast.
This year marks the 15th Annual Surfin’ Turkey 5K and Puppy Drum Fun Run, taking place on Thursday, November 26, 2026. As the event celebrates this exciting milestone, Midgett Realty is equally proud to celebrate 15 years of supporting the race as its title sponsor.
Our involvement doesn’t stop there. We’ve also served as the title sponsor of the Shore Break 5K, traditionally held over Memorial Day weekend in Avon, since its inception. Both events were established to support the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund, turning two popular island races into meaningful opportunities to give back.
Over the years, these events have brought together residents, visitors, local businesses, and volunteers, all working toward a common goal: helping Hatteras Island’s children reach their full potential.
What Is the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund?
Established in 2011, the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for students attending Cape Hatteras Elementary School and Cape Hatteras Secondary School.
The organization grew from the generosity and vision of lifelong Hatteras Island resident Kenneth W. Oden, who established a charitable trust through his will to improve the lives of local children, with a particular emphasis on education.
Today, HIYEF carries that vision forward by providing grants to support educational needs that might otherwise go unmet due to limited public or private funding.
These grants give local teachers the opportunity to bring innovative ideas into their classrooms, purchase much-needed equipment and materials, and introduce students to experiences that extend beyond traditional learning environments.
Over the years, HIYEF has helped fund everything from marching band uniforms and outdoor classrooms to educational field trips, academic competitions, and hands-on learning opportunities. Its contributions have supported programs such as Science Olympiad and Battle of the Books, along with projects that encourage creativity, exploration, and personal growth.
The impact of this work is substantial. Since its founding, HIYEF has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants benefiting Hatteras Island students. During the 2025–2026 school year alone, the organization provided more than $37,000 in grant funding to support projects at our two local schools.
For a small, close-knit community like Hatteras Island, these contributions can make a tremendous difference in the educational experiences available to our children.
More Than Just a Race
What makes the Surfin’ Turkey 5K and Shore Break 5K so special isn’t simply the number of participants crossing the finish line. It’s what those finish lines represent.
Every registration, sponsorship, donation, and volunteer hour contributes to something much bigger than race day. Proceeds from these events help HIYEF provide local educators with resources and opportunities that enrich the lives of students throughout Hatteras Island.
For Midgett Realty, supporting these races has always been about more than putting our name on an event. It’s about investing in the future of the community we love. #ItsForTheKids
As a locally rooted business, we understand the importance of supporting the next generation. The children benefiting from these programs today are tomorrow’s educators, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and neighbors. Helping provide them with opportunities to learn, grow, and discover their potential is an investment that reaches well beyond the classroom.
We’re grateful to have played a role in these events since the beginning and are proud to stand alongside the dedicated HIYEF board members, teachers, volunteers, fellow sponsors, and participants who continue to make this mission possible.
Join Us for the 15th Annual Surfin’ Turkey 5K & Puppy Drum Fun Run!
There’s no better way to kick off Thanksgiving on Hatteras Island than by coming together for a great cause!
The 15th Annual Surfin’ Turkey 5K takes place on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, 2026, at 8 a.m. in Hatteras Village. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in this family-friendly event, which winds through the historic village before wrapping up with a pancake breakfast and awards ceremony.
Young participants can also join the fun during the free, quarter-mile Puppy Drum Fun Run, beginning at 9 a.m.
Whether you’re a longtime island resident, visiting for the holiday, or simply looking for a meaningful way to give back, your participation helps support educational opportunities for the children who call Hatteras Island home.
Learn more about the Surfin’ Turkey 5K and register here!
A Commitment That Goes Beyond the Coast
At Midgett Realty, we’re incredibly fortunate to be part of a community where neighbors support neighbors and local businesses recognize the importance of giving back.
Our partnership with the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund is just one example of that commitment, and one we’re especially proud to have maintained for 15 years.
As we celebrate this year’s Surfin’ Turkey milestone, we look forward to continuing our support of the people, programs, and organizations that help Hatteras Island thrive.
Because when we invest in our island’s children, we’re investing in the future of Hatteras Island itself.
