Heart Walk will aid in heart emergencies
by Sandra Gubel, The Sanders County Ledger
The Second Annual Sanders County Heart Walk at the Plains High School track last Saturday attracted 80 people, helping raise $1,295 that will go towards the purchase of Automated External Defibrillators to be placed around the county and used in emergent situations.
"We started this event last year and hope it continues to grow. It is a great opportunity to increase heart health awareness, get people active and moving and raise money for a good cause," said Jennifer Carter, RN and event coordinator.
Numerous steps were taken in the process, tracked on free pedometers given to the participants. Three adults received prizes for the most steps walked.
Beverly Huffman walked 21,983 steps, the equivalent of 10.75 miles, and won one of two gift bag totes courtesy of Bob's Red Mill, which produces a variety of whole grain and certified organic products. The totes included a cookbook, baking utensils, Bob's Red Mill products and a lot more.
Sydne Connolly walked 10.1 miles, 20,225 steps, also winning a gift bag.
Third place winner Heidi Mack also walked 10.1 miles, 20,225 steps. She won an hour-long massage courtesy of Daphne Boles and Healthy Massage.
Other top walkers included Maureen Baker, 20,000 steps; John Zupkofska, 19,485 steps; Lyla Sears, 19,784 steps; Tina Dockter, 17,493 steps.
Kids 18 and under participated for free, without a registration fee. Winning a pizza party for the most laps walked were Shyna and Cheyene Nagely of Hot Springs; Lucus Gruwell, Dalton Nelson, Austin Pullan and Robby White of Thompson Falls; and Caleb Connelly, Morgan Beech, Carly Vonheeder, Dustin Henning, Russell Kujala, Kris Beech, Kristi Hanke and Sophia Pierini of Plains.
Helping with the event, Plains High School Cheerleaders, with friends and family, ran the concession stand. Clark Fork Valley Hospital Auxiliary Members assisted with registration.
Heart Fun Facts were posted along the track along with the sponsors for the event.
All who were registered sported free t-shirts, with the art work of Caleb Connolly, whose logo was chosen in a contest. Caleb's artwork includes the phrase "I am a Heart Hero."