
On a Mission to Protect Pediatric Hearts
Community, News | Apr 18, 2019
Carolina Panthers’ Star Tight-End & Charlotte’s Hometown Restaurant Join Forces for Fourth Annual HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K
Greg Olsen and Showmars team up to fundraise for programs at Levine Children’s Hospital
Whose life do you run for? This tagline of the fourth annual HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K represents the children and families who are facing and fighting congenital heart diseases and disorders (CHDs) head on across the Charlotte community and beyond.
To support these families, Charlotte’s hometown restaurant, Showmars, will join forces with Greg Olsen and Receptions For Research: The Greg Olsen Foundation on Saturday, May 11th to host the HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K. Thousands of runners, walkers, families and friends will take part to help raise money and awareness for children who receive vital care for CHDs from Levine Children’s world-class pediatric congenital heart program.
“CHDs affect nearly 1 percent, or about 40,000, births every year in the United States, and we are so fortunate to have one of the best children’s hospitals in cardiology and heart surgery right in our backyard: Levine Children’s Hospital,” said Dean Peroulas, CEO of The Showmars Hospitality Group. “We’re honored to partner with Greg and maximize the support and awareness of our shared mission. We’re also thankful to our Charlotte community, which has embraced this cause and turned out each year for this event.”
CHDs are the most common cause of infant death due to birth defects, according to the Centers for Disease, Control and Prevention. Approximately 25 percent of children born with a CHD will need heart surgery or other interventions to survive. Incredible programs, like those at Levine Children’s Hospital, have helped more than 85 percent of babies born with a CHD now live to at least age 18.
“This is a cause that my family and I not only believe in, it’s a journey we have experienced personally,” said Greg Olsen, founder of Receptions for Research. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to partner with Showmars and, together, make a significant impact on families, not only in our community, but also for those who turn to Levine Children’s Hospital in their desperate time of need.”
With pre-race activities taking place at CMC Myers Park, Greg Olsen and his family will lead a parade march to the HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K start line on Cumberland Avenue upon completion of the pre-race program. The race will end on South Kings Drive at Levine Children’s Hospital, and a post-race celebration held in the parking lot will include a complimentary kid’s fun run, refreshments, activities and entertainment for the whole family.
100 percent of proceeds generated during the event will benefit Levine Children’s Hospital, the region’s most comprehensive children’s hospital.
For additional information or to register visit www.Showmars.com/HEARTestYard5K.