FUND-RAISERS : Walkers can step out in a healthy way to raise money.
South Bay residents have the opportunity to assist two organizations and get in a little exercise at the same time at a pair of fund-raisers scheduled in Redondo Beach and Inglewood this weekend.
The two walk-a-thons are part of nationwide fund-raising efforts by the American Diabetes Assn. and the American Heart Assn. Contrary to the ‘No Pain, No Gain’ philosophy of exercising, fitness experts have recently been promoting the healthy advantages of walking.
About 600 people are expected to participate in the local Walkoberfest ’92 in Redondo Beach, an event also occurring in 80 other cities Sunday morning. In addition to generating research dollars to cure diabetes, the event will raise money to send children with diabetes to summer camp.
Experts say more than 14 million Americans have diabetes, half of whom are not aware they have the disease. The fourth leading cause of death by disease in America, diabetes seriously impairs the body’s ability to turn food into energy.
Money is raised by participants obtaining pledges from sponsors, who donate a certain amount for each mile walked. The route for Walkoberfest ’92 in the South Bay is about 10 miles long. (A four-mile route will be available for those who want a shorter walk.)
Walkers can register for the event at 8 a.m. Sunday in Veterans Park, 309 Esplanade, Redondo Beach. The walk begins at 9 a.m.
Participants have up to a month after the event to collect and turn in pledges. Those raising at least $50 in pledges will receive a Walkoberfest T-shirt.
U.S. Olympic volleyball star Steve Timmons will sign autographs Sunday morning. There also will be entertainment for youngsters and a health information booth.
The American Heart Assn. is expecting several hundred people to take part in the five-kilometer walk beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood. Organizers expect the nationwide fund-raising effort to collect $5.7 million.
Like the diabetes event, participants raise money by getting pledges for each mile walked. The money generated will go toward research and community education programs. After the event, a Beat the Odds blood pressure and cholesterol screening will be made available to walkers. The screenings are provided by Daniel Freeman Hospital and the Center for Heart Health.
“Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are America’s No. 1 killer. They affect people in their 30s, 40s and 50s--often their most productive years,” said Pete Grande, a heart association spokesman.
About one in four people living in Inglewood suffers from heart disease or stroke, association officials say. Still, there is some good news. Officials say the death rate for coronary heart disease has dropped 45% since 1970 because of increasing awareness of the ailment.
The American Heart Assn. is the nation’s largest voluntary health agency. Last year the association spent more than $218 million for research support, professional education and community programs.
* Walkoberfest: 10-mile walk to raise money to fight diabetes; Veterans Park, 309 Esplanade, Redondo Beach; registration 8 a.m., walk starts at 9 a.m. Sunday; information: (213) 381-3639.
* Heart Walk: A five-kilometer walk to collect funds to battle heart disease; Great Western Forum, Manchester Boulevard and Prairie Avenue, Inglewood; 9 a.m. Sunday; information: (213) 385-4231.
