The Race to Protect Pediatric Hearts Must Go On
Charlotte, Community, News | Apr 20, 2021
Veteran Carolina Panthers’ Star Tight-End & Charlotte’s Family Favorite Restaurant Unite for Fifth Annual Virtual HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K
Greg Olsen and Showmars team up for this year’s first-ever socially distant 5K/Challenge to benefit Levine Children’s Hospital
The Greg Olsen Foundation’s HEARTest Yard, supporting families of children with congenital heart diseases and disorders (CHDs) treated at Levine Children’s Hospital, will carry on its mission to protect pediatric hearts by teaming up with Charlotte’s family favorite restaurant, Showmars, for the fifth annual and historical socially distant race, furthering this year’s watchword, “We run for heart kids.”
In support of the children and families fighting CHDs, Charlotte’s very own Showmars, and The HEARTest Yard, made the thoughtful decision to go virtual for this year’s race, to put the health and safety of participants and the greater community at the forefront.
Race day participation is still anticipated to match or exceed the numbers from years past, as thousands of runners, walkers, athletes, and families and friends do their individual part on, and leading up to, race day on Saturday, May 8th. While this year’s race will look a little different, the annual mission remains – to raise awareness and money for children who receive vital care for CHDs from Levine Children’s world-class pediatric congenital heart program.
“CHDs are problems with the heart’s structure that are present at birth, affecting nearly 40,000 infants in the U.S. each year. We are privileged to have Levine Children’s Hospital here in Charlotte, as their reputation as being one of the finest children’s hospitals in cardiology and heart surgery precedes them,” shares Dean Peroulas, CEO of The Showmars Hospitality Group. “It’s an honor to once again partner with Greg Olsen in this fight and to raise awareness for CHDs. We’re also thankful to the greater Charlotte community for supporting this cause, especially when this year’s race day will look different from years past.”
Showmars and The Greg Olsen Foundation will maximize impact and fundraising efforts, by way of its prolonged Challenge. In conjunction to this year’s 5K, The HEARTest Yard + Showmars Challenge encourages participants to log as many miles as possible by running, walking, cycling, swimming or rowing. Participants can learn all they need to know to log miles and to raise dollars by visiting here.
This challenge will grant participants the opportunity to prepare for race day, and for the greater community to stay better connected in the absence of a celebratory event on race day.
Due to the oppositions so many faced in 2020, and to keep participants active in a socially distant world, both events this year will be no-cost. Additionally, all race swag will be incentive-based.
The mission of HEARTest Yard for pediatric hearts at Levine Children’s Hospital, the region’s most comprehensive children’s hospital, remains supported through 100% of proceeds generated from sponsorships, as well as individual and group fundraising efforts. Businesses and organizations looking to be valuable sponsors can visit here.
“We are grateful to all of this year’s supporters and participants as we navigate a first-time virtual event. This year’s unprecedented race day will undoubtedly present challenges, but we will drive forward with appreciation for the grace and understanding we have received from all of our supporters and sponsors. We are also beholden Showmars for its dedication to this mission,” shares Greg Olsen, founder of HEARTest Yard and Receptions for Research. “This cause is near and dear to my family on a very personal level, and I am thankful to once again partner with Showmars as we strive to impact families facing the great adversity of congenital heart disease.”
CHDs are the most common birth defects, with most causes of CHDs remaining unknown. Only 15-20% of all CHDs are related to known genetic conditions. Approximately two to three million individuals are thought to be living in the United States with CHDs. Thanks to medical advances, like those conducted at Levine Children’s Hospital, survival, and the number of those living with CHDs is increasing.
For additional information or to register visit www.Showmars.com/HEARTestYard5K.
