The Veteran’s Memorial Park of America is stepping into the new year with hopes of raising money for the organization while bringing awareness to heart health.
A county-wide walk-a-thon, Hearts and Vets, is scheduled to begin Saturday, Jan. 29 at 10 a.m. in honor of February’s American Heart month. The event is planned to take place in Tabor City, Chadbourn, Fair Bluff, Whiteville, Lake Waccamaw, and Riegelwood.
The organization needs participants for the walk as well as volunteers to head up groups in each community. Some local businesses are willing to help promote the event, and Angela Norris, treasurer for the Veteran’s Memorial Park, hopes area schools will get in on the action.
“We have two gyms ready to help us start promoting. I would like to get the county schools and Whiteville City schools involved as well,” said Norris.
Anyone interested in volunteering or pre-registering should contact the Veteran’s Memorial Park right away. Registration sites will also be set up in each town the day of Hearts and Vets at 10 a.m. The cost is $5 per person.
Participants are also encouraged to have individuals and local businesses sponsor them for the walk-a-thon to raise money for the park. Awards for different age groups that walk the longest and bring in the most in proceeds will be handed out on Mar. 1.
Norris also says the event will also be a great start to 2022 by bringing folks together. “With this, we will accomplish a county wide unity and support for each other.”
To volunteer, participate, or become a sponsor for Hearts and Vets, call 910.840.3848. Checks should be made out to the Veteran’s Memorial Park of America and sent to P.O. Box 2046, Whiteville, N.C. 28472. Finalized plans and locations will be announced closer to the date of the walk-a-thon.
