Benefit walk shows community's concern

Benefit walk shows community's concern

About 1,000 people poured out their hearts Saturday in support of Heart and Sole Inc.'s second annual 5K Run/Walk and Evening Celebration.

"The community totally came out. I thought it was pretty amazing to see so many people support this," founder Stacey Haskins said. "We had about 600 people register for the 5K, and then about 400 people attended the evening celebration.

"For our second year, I think that says something about the support we have received from the community and our sponsors."

Proceeds from the events will go to the Medical College of Georgia Children's Medical Center's heart program.

Heart and Sole was founded in 2006 in memory of Ms. Haskins' niece, Margaret Bowen McElreath, who died of a heart condition shortly after her birth in 2005.

Her parents, Ben and Carrie McElreath, also participated in the events.

"It's truly amazing that people came out the way they did," Mr. McElreath said. "It's a tribute to Stacey for getting the word out and to MCG Children's Medical Center for providing great care and being so well thought of in the community."

The Heart and Sole family now is much larger, Mrs. McElreath said.

"It has gone beyond our family and now it involves everyone -- volunteers, the community, the children's hospital, sponsors. I'm so thankful for everyone's support," she said. "It shows that when everyone pulls together we can make a difference."

Nickasha Dicks - Augusta Chronicle - 03.18.08