GRAVETTE — A “Gravette Community Heart Walk,” the first of what organizers hope will become an annual event, is scheduled Saturday, Feb. 19, according to Jayna Cardetti, communications coordinator of Ozarks Community Hospital in Gravette.

OCH is the official sponsor of the event, Cardetti said, but she emphasized, “This is to allow friends and neighbors, in Gravette and the surrounding area, to put their best foot forward for the cause.”

The Walk is being held in recognition of American Heart Month and will be held from 10 a.m. until noon at the Gravette Middle School gym and surrounding area, Cardetti explained.

“All funds raised will go to support the Northwest Arkansas AHA Chapter as it continues to bring awareness, educate and raise support for invaluable heart disease and stroke research.”

Participants will meet inside the middle school gym Saturday morning and, following the walk, will be invited to attend a short program with prizes and snacks.

Individuals and teams (of up to five persons) are being encouraged to sign up by Feb. 4. Those who pre-register will receive an event T-shirt. Registration is $15 per person or $50 per team. Those who do not sign up before Feb. 4 may not receive a Tshirt at the door with their registration fee,” Cardetti said.

Contact Cardetti at 344-6464 or [email protected] for information or to sign up for the walk.

“The hospital is sponsoring the event but we want to emphasize this is a community (area-wide) walk, so everyone can get involved and be a part of what will hopefully be an annual fundraiser for the American Heart Association,” Cardetti emphasized.

Research and treatment advances promoted through efforts such as this continue to fight the effects of heart disease, the leading cause of death in America.

News, Pages 1 on 02/02/2011