Published: March 14, 2008 11:10 pm            

Heart Walk scheduled for April 19

By KANDACE MCCOY

kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — The local Heart Walk held annually by the American Heart Association has acquired a new name this year with hopes to acquire new participation as well.

The new name, 2008 South Central Illinois Start! Heart Walk, which will be held April 19 at Veterans Park, is a result of “growth of participation from surrounding areas,” according to Beth Hartke, Corporate Evetnts Director with the American Heart Association.

“We are really pleased to see our region working together for this event. We’ve seen some great success in having more regional walks that bring together a multitude of communities, companies and individuals,” stated Hartke.

Previously named the Jefferson County Heart Walk, in recent years the event was changed to the Quad County Heart Walk when the walk was consolidated with the Tri-County Heart Walk of Clinton, Marion and Washington counties (previously held in Centralia), according to Hartke.

“Last year, we really brought in some great support from Wayne county, specifically from Fairfield Memorial Hospital. With the additional support we thought it was best that we create a new name for the event with a more appropriate reflection of our coverage area,” she said.

The American Heart Association’s signature fund-raising event, the Start! Heart Walk promotes physical activity and heart-healthy living in a fun family environment.

“We’re really investing in the future of our health by supporting the local Heart Walk,” Hartke added. She explained all the money raised in the walk “are coming back to communities” through educationa and professional training and funding research “to make a difference in the future.”

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases and stroke are America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers, and claim about 870,000 lives a year. In Jefferson County, those diseases were attributed to 32.8 percent deaths among men and women; in Wayne County, 29.3 percent of deaths; and 44.6 percent of deaths in Washington County, according to Hartke.

Last year, the Heart Walk raised over $92,000, and this year’s goal is $115,000. “With the walk getting larger and more participation from counties, we’re confident we can reach out goal,” Hartke said, adding she hopes community residents sees the opportunity as investing in their future. “Look at it as saving yourself in the future and benefiting some day from the research made as a result of funds raised from the walk.”

And with the walk scheduled for next month, Hartke said participation in the walk is “fun and easy.”

“Team captains are the backbone of our fundraising success. So far, we have 49 Team captains signed up for the Heart Walk and are looking for another 50 in order to reach our goal,” Hartke said, adding team captains often serve as the “recruiter for participation from their company, community group, family and sometimes church.” Team captain goals include helping to recruit individual fundraisers for the Heart Walk. Though the American Heart Association encourages teams of 15 or more individuals, any size of team is welcomed, Hartke stated.

“We want our communities to really embrace the Heart Walk. It is a chance for us to get together with our friends and family and walk in honor of or in tribute to those that have been affected by heart disease and stroke,” she said.

Team captains can register by contacting Hartke at 983.3234 or beth.hartke@heart.org or by registering online at http://heartwalk.kintera.org/scentralil. Packets are also available at the Register-News business office

        

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