Heart Walkers participate in fitness and philanthropy
The Sarasota Manatee American Heart Association walk raised more than $200,000 by Saturday.
By
Jessica Salmond
| 9:42 a.m. September 12, 2015
Sarasota
Neighbors
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Before the walk even began Saturday, it had already exceeded its fundraising goal.
The 2015 Sarasota Manatee American Heart Association Heart Walk had gathered $200,000 by the time the walk started — not including the additional donations that had been made that morning. Local businesses and individuals gathered at Nathan Benderson Park for the fundraising event.
The top fundraising companies were the area healthcare systems; Manatee Memorial Healthcare placed first, raising $17,865.
For sisters Mary Jo Morris and Lisa Ann Loyet, who walked for Sarasota Memorial Hospital, the early morning was not an issue, and they had a personal tie to heart disease awareness.
"We have heart disease in our family," Morris said. "It's a great cause."
Hundreds charged through the Heart Walk heart to start the walk.
Leah Yoder signs the F in FAST, which is an acronym for the warning signs of a stroke.
Felicia Sesty and Vicki Johnson, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Lulu Krysz with CTQ 106.5 FM spoke during the opening ceremony.
Mary Jo Morris, Mariah Chacon and Lisa Ann Loyet with Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and Bluebell the adoptable Staffordshire with Hooves, Paws and Claws Animal Rescue.
James Benner, a volunteer, encouraged everyone to take Instagram photos.
Aunna Twig with Sailor Circus wheels around in her unicycle.
Brenda Gillette gets her blood pressure tested by thrd-year LECOM student Preethi Yarabothu.
Brittany Sutton, Sue Aulaeaugh and Melissa Deem, Blake Medical Center
Angela Scheer and her pomeranian, Misha. Scheer said she had a little bag for Misha to rest in if she got tired during the walk.
Karen Noel gives a treat to her dachshunds, Charlie and Bee. They might have the shortest legs at the event — Noel said they would do the dachshund 5K, or however far their short legs will go.
Darrell LaCourse fell in love with Bluebelle, a 1-year-old Staffordshire with Hooves, Paws and Claws Animal Rescue in Myakka. "I'm adopting this dog," he said.
Jordan Washer, Montana Ross, Andy Olday and Emilia Olday with Fit 2 Run lead a warm-up session before the walk.
Fit 2 Run guided some easy warm-up stretches before the walk.
