Staff Writer

A Wednesday morning breakfast will kick off fund-raising efforts for the American Heart Association.

On Jan. 17 at 7:15 a.m., the Pike County Division of the American Heart Association will kick off activities for the Heart Walk, which will be Feb. 24.

Mark Bazzell, chairman of the Pike County Division of the American Heart Association, said the team leaders breakfast planned for Wednesday will be at Edge Regional Medical Center in the second floor classroom.

"We think we’ve gotten off to a good start," Bazzell said. "We had a lot of interest in the survivors breakfast (held in December."

And, already, last year’s team leaders are contacting walk officials about participating again. Bazzell said a couple of additional teams have already expressed an interest.

He said anyone who would like to have a team is welcome to the breakfast.

The Feb. 24 Heart Walk will begin with registration from 9:30-10 a.m. Activities, including blood pressure and cholesterol checks, entertainment and refreshments will begin at 10 a.m. and everything should be over by lunch time.

Last year, the event raised $18,000 and the goal for this year is $23,000.

"We certainly hope to exceed our goal," Bazzell said.

He said many people are working to raise money for the cause that brings awareness to heart disease.

One of those people is Marsha Gaylard, who has agreed to serve as the spokeswoman for the 2001 Heart Walk.

"We appreciate her doing this for us," Bazzell said of Gaylard.

Another fund raiser is being planned, in addition to the Heart Walk. That will be a charity basketball game that, in the past, has pitted county and city officials against each other.

"That’s always a lot of fun," Bazzell said of the game, for which no date and time has been set.

Anyone needing information about the walk can call Bazzell at 566-1850, Ext. 116 or April Ingram, regional director of the American Heart Association, at (334) 832-4400. Those who would like to be sponsors can call Bob Mills at 566-4000. Survivors of heart disease who want to participate in American Heart Association activities may call Jack Norton at 566-4000.