RiverDogs Team with MiLB, Big Brothers Big Sisters for Special Night at Riley Park

Club Joins MiLB’s “Winning with Doubles” Fundraising Campaign for BBBS on May 16

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Charleston-RiverDogsGeneral Manager Dave Echols has announced that the Charleston RiverDogs will be participating in Minor League Baseball’s “Winning with Doubles” fundraising campaign to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Carolina Youth Development Center.

Fans can participate by visiting the “Winning with Doubles” site (www.MiLB.com/give), select the Charleston RiverDogs as their team, and pledge the amount they would like to donate for each double hit by a RiverDogs player in April and May.

Big-Brothers-Big-Sisters2Bigs and Littles will be attending the RiverDogs game on Friday, May 16, against the Hickory Crawdads. First pitch is set for 7:05 pm.

The RiverDogs plan to have the Bigs and Littles stand on the field with players and coaches before the game and will donate items for a BBBS raffle. One lucky Little will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Another opportunity for fan participation will be at the May 16 game when fans can purchase tickets for the BBBS raffle.

“We hope that by creating further awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Carolina Youth Development Center and the need for more caring adult mentors here in the Lowcountry, we will encourage people to become involved in the program by applying to volunteer as a Big,” said Echols, who is a longtime member of their board of directors.

For more information about BBBS, please contact Program Director Mandy Scherer at 843/266-5232 or at mtscherer@cydc.org or Louis Kines, AmeriCorps Vista at 843/266-5239 or at lkines@cydc.org.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charleston RiverDogs. Click here to view the original story.

RiverDogs to Host 11th Annual “Run, Forrest, Run” 5K Race on April 19

Race Benefits MUSC’s Storm Eye Institute

Run Forrst Run 5K

 

CHARLESTON, SC – Fans of the Charleston RiverDogs may not be able to run forever like Forrest Gump, but they can lace up their running shoes and head to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park for the 11th Annual “Run Forrest Run” 5K Race presented by Fleet Feet Sports on Saturday, April 19 at 4 pm before the RiverDogs game against the Rome Braves.

The course is TAC certified and features split times at each mile marker with chip timing for quick and accurate results.

Proceeds from the rain-or-shine event benefit the MUSC Storm Eye Institute.

“This race is fun for all ages and caters to every type of participant,” said RiverDogs Vice President of Special Events Melissa Azevedo. “Our 5K race begins in front of The Joe and finishes at home plate where runners are greeted by RiverDogs players and coaches.”

With the Cooper River Bridge Run just two weeks prior to April 19th, the top eight local finishers will be invited to participate in the Run Forrest Run 5K Race.

Pre-registration by April 17th cost for the race is $30, and includes a race packet, T-shirt, one ticket to that evening’s RiverDogs game against the Rome Braves (6:05 pm first pitch), an in-game awards ceremony and a post-race party with dinner provided by Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Late registration and walk-up after April 17th is $35. T-shirts are available while supplies last.

Additional game tickets are $7 each and can be purchased at packet pick-up.

Race packets may be picked up on Friday, April 18th at Fleet Feet Sports in Mt. Pleasant from 12:00 noon until 6:00pm. On-site registration and packet pick-up on race day will open at 1:00pm at Joe Riley Park and close at 3:45pm before the 4:00 race begins.

Registration forms are available online at RileyParkEvents.com or active.com. For more information, please contact Kristen Wolfe at (843) 577-DOGS (3647).

–RIVERDOGS–

This article originally appeared on the official website of the 02/28/2014 9:35 AM ET. Click here to view the original story.

RiverDogs Donate $20,000 to MUSC Storm Eye Institute

Charleston-RiverDogsThe Charleston RiverDogs have yet again left a large paw print on the fight against blindness and retinitis pigmentosa.

During the Friday, August 9 contest against the Rome Braves at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols presented a check for $20,000 to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Storm Eye Institute and its director, Dr. Lucian Del Priore.

The donation comes from proceeds from the RiverDogs’ 14th annual Kindness Beats Blindness Auction, the 10th Annual “Run Forrest Run” 5K, the 9th Annual Hot Stove Banquet and the 8th Annual Golf Outing.

MUSC-Health-Storm-EyeThe Storm Eye Institute was selected as a result of RiverDogs President Mike Veeck’s daughter, Rebecca, being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of inherited diseases causing retinal degeneration. Veeck and his wife, Libby, have dedicated themselves and most of their charitable efforts toward fighting blindness.

“To work hand-in-hand with the Charleston community for the Storm Eye Institute is something we, as an organization, really look forward to every year,” said Echols. “Seeing first-hand the effect this disease can have on a family adds a level of personality and affection to our fundraising efforts.”

“We are immensely grateful for the RiverDogs’ continued support in our quest to find cures and treatments for blinding eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa,” said Dr. Del Priore. “The RiverDogs’ extraordinary generosity over the last 14 years has been critical to the work that our vision scientists are doing in this area.”

With proceeds from the various RiverDogs special event projects, the team and the Charleston community as a whole have raised more than $500,000 towards preventative research for the degenerative disease.

For more information on the MUSC Storm Eye institute and their effort to battle RP and other degenerative retinal diseases visit www.muschealth.com/eyes.

This article originally appeared on the website of the Charleston RiverDogs.  Click here for the original story.

The Charleston RiverDogs bring “Pink in the Park” to The Joe

Charleston-RiverDogsOn Sunday, May 12th, Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park became a vision in pink to help Save the Milkshakes. To celebrate Mother’s Day, and to raise awareness for Breast Cancer, the Charleston RiverDogs teamed up with a locally founded Breast Cancer Awareness nonprofit, Save the Milkshakes for the inaugural Pink in the Park event at The Joe.

“Since Breast Cancer Awareness Month does not fall within our season, it was important for us to show our support somehow.” says Director of Community Relations, Lauren Allio. “We feel that the inaugural Pink in the Park event went very well! And we look forward to continuing it in the future.”

Save-the-Milkshakes-logoAs a special promotion for Pink in the Park, $1 from every Beer Shake sold on Sunday May 12th was donated to Save the Milkshakes. These proceeds, along with the funds collected from selling “Save the Milkshake” t-shirts, which you can purchase for the rest of the RiverDogs season at the Pie House, located within Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, will go towards breast cancer research.

Save the Milkshakes is a locally founded Breast Cancer Awareness Organization with the goal to help local women diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant. Save the Milkshakes hopes to provide funding to breast cancer research while bringing together mothers that have just been diagnosed with breast cancer with those that are able to donate breast milk to newborn babies. For more information about save the Milkshakes visit http://www.savethemilkshakes.org/.

RiverDogs Buddy up with the Summerville Miracle League

Charleston-RiverDogsOn Saturday, May 11th, the Summerville Miracle League welcomed the Charleston RiverDogs to their facilities in Summerville for a morning of fun, and baseball. Ten players from the 2013 RiverDogs team volunteered as “Buddies” for the league, assisting the young players hit the ball, run the bases, and play the field.

“It was amazing to watch these kids on the field,” says Community Relations Intern, Lily Belter. “They were having so much fun! And it was great to see them interacting with the RiverDogs players.”

Miracle-League-SummervilleThe goal of The Summerville Miracle League is to enhance the lives of people with special needs. The league uses primarily the national pastime of baseball, as well as other activities, to bring together the athletes and their families and enrich their lives in a meaningful way. For more information about the Summerville Miracle League, how to join or how to volunteer, please visit http://www.summervillemiracleleague.org/

The Charleston RiverDogs join the Summerville Miracle League RiverDogs for a team cheer!
The Charleston RiverDogs join the Summerville Miracle League RiverDogs for a team cheer!
The Charleston RiverDogs buddy up with the Summerville Miracle League
The Charleston RiverDogs buddy up with the Summerville Miracle League

 

RiverDogs Donations Amounts to Peanuts

Charleston-RiverDogsLeave it to the Charleston RiverDogs to come to the aid of one of their own.

“Tony the Peanut Man,” the moniker for Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park’s long-time peanut vendor Anthony Wright, suffered a tremendous loss this week with a home fire as chronicled by local media.

Wright reportedly suffered approximately $10,000 in damages to his peanut-boiling equipment that included steel pots and other gear. They were located in the back yard of his West Ashley home.

The RiverDogs, where Tony consistently toils in front of large crowds with his specially-made t-shirt and renowned sweetgrass hat with no top, will donate to him a portion of the club’s peanut sales for this entire four-game homestand (April 19-22). The club will also have a donation station for Wright at Guest Services throughout the homestand. Piggly Wiggly has also pledged to replace all of the peanuts that he lost in the fire.

“We feel for Tony,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “He’s been a Riley Park staple for so long that we felt that we had to do something for him. We’re certain that many of his customers will come to his need during this delicate time.”

The club will also have a between-inning salute for Wright to help raise awareness when the entire Riley Park audience will be invited to participate in singing his famed composition (“Haaaay, haaaay; what I saaaay”) that he includes while dancing his jig after a sale of one of his bags of roasted or boiled peanuts. The ceremony will also acknowledge the contribution the RiverDogs will be making to Tony and hopefully encourage fans to lend a hand and make their own donation.

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8th Annual Golf Tournament Set for May 7

Golf and Fun Is on Tap during the Mid-Week “Golftoberfest”

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CHARLESTON, SC – Inspired by Germany’s Oktoberfest, the Charleston RiverDogs’ 8th Annual Charity Golf Tournament will have a similar flavor as the club introduces its Golftoberfest theme.

Golfers and have-funners will head to the links on Tuesday, May 7, at Wild Dunes Resort for an 11 am shotgun start. The event is once again presented by Parks Auto Parts and benefits the Medical University of South Carolina’s Storm Eye Institute.

The four-man Captain’s Choice format is not a typical golf outing as the Golftoberfest-themed tournament will be a celebration that even RiverDogs Director of Fun Bill Murray won’t want to miss.

“Who isn’t a fan of fun?” asked Events Director Melissa Azevedo. “This tournament not only offers a day-full of light-hearted entertainment at a beautiful golf course, it also provides an afternoon of networking while raising funds to help fight blindness.”

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places, and in typical RiverDogs fashion, there will also be prizes given for best cart decor, best costume and best golf head cover.

The $500 per foursome entry fee includes green and cart fees, range balls, an exclusive golfer gift and goodie bag, unlimited beverages, awards ceremony and dinner courtesy of Rollin’ South.

Hole sponsorships are also available for $350.  Each hole will be named after an authentic Oktoberfest Beer Tent, and each hole will feature a German-themed contest that includes a yodeling competition, keg rolling, a German Chocolate Cake Eating Contest and pretzel-making lessons, to name a few.

For registration or additional information, please contact Melissa Azevedo at 843/577-DOGS (3647) or log on towww.RileyParkEvents.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charleston RiverDogs. Click here to view the original story.

RiverDogs Introduce “Healthy Challenge Tuesdays”

Charleston-RiverDogsThis season, the RiverDogs, the Class A affiliate of the 27-time World Champion Yankees, introduce the “Healthy Challenge Tuesday” as the club partners with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to make every Tuesday’s game at The Joe a night that is themed around living a healthier lifestyle.

“Tuesday night games will now be geared toward living and promoting a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “We all can do a better job of taking care of ourselves, and why not start doing it at a baseball game?”

MUSC-logoThe RiverDogs have teamed up with the MUSC Wellness Center to create an entire new line of healthy concessions options available throughout the season, many made from crops grown on the MUSC Urban Farm located in downtown Charleston. Each Tuesday game will feature a different item from these new healthy selections and be offered to fans at a discounted rate.

Additionally, the club’s renowned between-innings promotions will also be health and fitness oriented for Tuesday home games this year. MUSC Wellness staff will be heard from throughout the night on the video board providing quick, simple, healthy lifestyle choices ranging from exercise activities to snack options to general healthy lifestyle tips.

“The MUSC Wellness Center and Healthy Charleston Challenge are excited to partner with the RiverDogs to help promote healthy lifestyle habits for the whole family while enjoying America’s pastime,” said Janis Newton, Assistant Director of the MUSC Wellness Center. “Together we’ll offer families the opportunity to eat healthy and increase physical activity while having fun cheering on the RiverDogs in 2013.”

3 R’s Program With Charleston County Schools Returns

Charleston-RiverDogsThe Charleston RiverDogs and the Charleston County School District began their “Reading and Running With the RiverDogs” program in select Charleston County Schools in 2009 to emphasize the fun and benefits in daily reading and exercise activities.

This year, third graders from Pinehurst, Blaney, Lambs, Burns and North Charleston elementary schools will be involved. Twice a month, a RiverDog staff member will come to the assigned school for a “read aloud” in each third grade class. The staff member will spend 15-20 minutes with each third grade class and then rotate between classes for about an hour. There will be approximately eight visits per school from February to May.

Charleston-SC-3RshirtdesignStudents may earn points by reading and exercising beyond the school day. Students earn a point for every 20 minutes they read and/or exercise. If students conduct “works of kindness” (such as reading to a youngster, helping mom with housework, carrying groceries for an elderly person or helping in the yard) while exercising or reading, they may earn two points for each 20 minutes. Students will record the minutes they read and exercise on a log and their parents/guardians will verify activities by initialing the log. The logs are reviewed by the teacher on a weekly basis, and point totals are tallied monthly. Students are awarded monthly the following:

• 101+ points: Free meal ticket at the game-hotdog, chips, drink;
• 100 points: RiverDogs t-shirt and two tickets to the Charleston RiverDogs game on May 10 (additional tickets for family members may be secured at a reduced rate);
• 75 points: Book donated to school library in the student’s name;
• 50 points: RiverDogs souvenir drink cup;
• 25 points: “Top Dog” ribbon

Additionally, there will be competition among the schools as they will also compete against each other for the highest monthly total points and the top school will receive a trophy that will rotate among the participating schools.

“Our ongoing partnership with the RiverDogs supports our continued efforts with literacy and helps to sustain our district Vision 2016 for academic achievement of all students”, said Mary Ann Dieter, Curriculum Specialist for the CCSD Literacy Based Learning Division.

“This program is a win-win opportunity for all involved,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “We remain pleased to have this direct association with the Charleston County School District and it is our goal to make an impact with child development.”

For more information on this innovative “Reading and Running With the RiverDogs” program, please contact Lauren Allio at the RiverDogs at (843)577-DOGS (3647).

RiverDogs Salute to Military Personnel All Season at The Joe

Charleston-RiverDogsThe Charleston RiverDogs will be offering military personnel $5 tickets all season at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park thanks to General Dynamics Land Systems–Force Protection. Plus, the club has planned several Military Appreciation Nights and military-themed promotions throughout the season.

Fridays will feature a sea of red at Riley Park as the popular family-friendly General Dynamics Land Systems-Force Protection Red Shirt Friday returns. All fans who wear red shirts to the game on Friday will save $1 off the purchase of their ticket at the box office, plus RiverDogs players and coaches will be wearing special red digi-camo jerseys. The dollar saved by fans off of their ticket can be donated to benefit the charity Carolina Canines, a local charity which works with military prisoners at the Naval Consolidated Brig in Charleston and teaches them how to train rescue dogs as service animals for wounded and injured veterans. Additionally, information on the Medal of Honor Museum at nearby Patriots Point will be on hand throughout the season at the Guest Relations booth.

Carolina-Canines-for-Vets-logoIn addition to the military theme on Friday nights, the RiverDogs are also hosting three different Military Appreciation Nights: Thursday April, 25, Saturday July, 13 and Wednesday, August, 25. Each Military Night allows active and retired military members FREE entry for themselves and their family members by showing a Military ID at the box office.

In addition, the RiverDogs will be hosting Coast Guard Night on Thursday, May 23. This is a night to salute Coast Guard Sector Charleston. Game time is set for 7:05 pm as the RiverDogs host the rival Greenville Drive.

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Carolina Canine's Titus The Bat Dog
Carolina Canine’s Titus The Bat Dog

 

We Salute to Military Personnel All Season at The Joe

Club Offers $5 Tickets to Current and Past Military Personnel All Season

CharlestonRiverDogs_2013-03-28

 

CHARLESTON, SC – The Charleston RiverDogs will be offering military personnel $5 tickets all season at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park thanks to General Dynamics Land Systems-Force Protection. Plus, the club has planned several Military Appreciation Nights and military-themed promotions throughout the season.

Fridays will feature a sea of red at Riley Park as the popular family-friendly General Dynamics Land Systems-Force Protection Red Shirt Friday returns. All fans who wear red shirts to the game on Friday will save $1 off the purchase of their ticket at the box office, plus RiverDogs players and coaches will be wearing special red digi-camo jerseys. The dollar saved by fans off of their ticket can be donated to benefit the charity Carolina Canines, a local charity which works with military prisoners at the Naval Consolidated Brig in Charleston and teaches them how to train rescue dogs as service animals for wounded and injured veterans. Additionally, information on the Medal of Honor Museum at nearby Patriots Point will be on hand throughout the season at the Guest Relations booth.

In addition to the military theme on Friday nights, the RiverDogs are also hosting three different Military Appreciation Nights: Thursday April, 25, Saturday July, 13 and Wednesday, August, 21. Each Military Night allows active and retired military members FREE entry for themselves and their family members by showing a Military ID at the box office.

Also, the RiverDogs will be hosting Coast Guard Night on Thursday, May 23. This is a night to salute Coast Guard Sector Charleston. Game time is set for 7:05 pm as the RiverDogs host the rival Greenville Drive.

The RiverDogs begin the home portion of the season on April 11 – a Thirsty Thursday – as the Augusta GreenJackets come to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park to open a seven-game home stand that also includes a three-game visit from the Rome Braves. For tickets, please contact the Riley Park Box Office at 843-577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.

–RIVERDOGS–

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charleston RiverDogs. Click here to view the original story.

RiverDogs help out at Windwood Farm Home for Children

Charleston-RiverDogsEach month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete one day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. In February, the Charleston RiverDogs Front Office Staff spent their monthly Staff Volunteer Day with the nonprofit organization Windwood Farm Home for Children. Members of the staff helped to complete various chores around the campus.

“I really enjoyed volunteering at Windwood Farm Home for Children,” says Promotions Intern Haley Kirchner. “The best part was getting to spend time with some of the boys, they were all so great!”

Windwood Farm Home for Children offers Help, Hope and Healing to abused, neglected children and their families.

WIndwood-Family-Services-logoWindwood Farm Home for Children was founded by local philanthropist and businessman, Joseph L. Tamsberg, Jr. and opened its doors in 1985. Every member of the nonprofit organization is actively involved in the growth, and success, of their mission to offer an environment of healing that is geared to stamp out multi-generational child abuse and neglect.

Windwood Farm Home for Children offers therapies geared to increase problem solving, anger management, and frustration tolerance, increase the child’s ability to achieve a successful completion of our program and return to a community living situation. Other services include the Family Reunification program, Family Therapy sessions, and an equine assisted learning program.

The RiverDogs staff helps build a shed at Windwood Farm Home for Children.
The RiverDogs staff helps build a shed at Windwood Farm Home for Children.
Special Events Manager, Kristen Wolfe and Promotions Intern, Haley Kirchner paint during their time volunteering at Windwood Farm Home for Children.
Special Events Manager, Kristen Wolfe and Promotions Intern, Haley Kirchner paint during their time volunteering at Windwood Farm Home for Children.

 

RiverDogs volunteer with Crisis Ministries

Charleston-RiverDogsEach month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete one day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. In November, the Charleston RiverDogs Front Office Staff spent their monthly Staff Volunteer Day with the nonprofit organization Crisis Ministries. Members of the staff prepared and served nutritious meals to guests of the shelter.

“I really enjoyed our time at Crisis Ministries,” says RiverDogs Special Events Manager Kristen Wolfe. “It was a very humbling experience.”

Crisis-Ministries-Charleston-logoFounded in 1984, Crisis Ministries has evolved into a comprehensive service agency with the mission to provide food, shelter and hope to end homelessness and hunger one person at a time, one family at a time.

Along with serving a daily meal to community members in need, Crisis Ministries’ services include emergency housing, case management, primary health care, legal services, employment services, and Veteran services. Crisis Ministries is the largest homeless service provider in South Carolina. Since its founding Crisis Ministries has served over 1,800,000 meals, sheltered over 37,500 people, and helped more than 6,250 homeless men and women become self-sufficient.

RiverDogs staff helping prepare nutritious meals to serve to guests of Crisis Ministries.
RiverDogs staff helping prepare nutritious meals to serve to guests of Crisis Ministries.

RiverDogs volunteer with Fields to Families

Charleston-RiverDogsEach month during the off-season, the Charleston RiverDogs close the office to complete one day of volunteer service with a local nonprofit organization. In October, the Charleston RiverDogs Front Office Staff spent their monthly Staff Volunteer Day with the nonprofit organization Fields to Families. Members of the staff gleaned vegetables from a local farm to donate to local food banks and soup kitchens.

“It was awesome to get out there and get our hands dirty,” says RiverDogs Director of Media Relations & Broadcasting Sean Houston. “It was rewarding, and fun, and I hope we get to do it again soon.”

Fields-to-Families-logoFields to Families is a nonprofit organization, founded in 2006, that helps the hungry in the Charleston community gain access to nutritious fruits and vegetables.

Fields to Families’ operates as a three step process. The organization depends greatly on local farms who generously offer unused fruits and vegetables to Fields to Families, which are then harvested by volunteers, like the RiverDogs staff. Those fruits and vegetables then make their way to Lowcountry organizations that feed the hungry, including food pantries, soup kitchens, Meals on Wheels, shelters and churches. It is these recipient agencies who complete the process and distribute the harvested foods to the hungry and needy.

The RiverDogs staff spends the day volunteering with Fields to Families.
The RiverDogs staff spends the day volunteering with Fields to Families.
Director of Media Relations, Sean Houston and Sales Representative, Annie Fuller.
Director of Media Relations, Sean Houston and Sales Representative, Annie Fuller.

 

RiverDogs Staff Raise Funds for American Heart Association

Charleston-RiverDogsThe Lowcountry Heart Walk is the American Heart Association’s mission in action. This annual celebration promotes physical activity and heart healthy living in a fun, family and dog friendly environment. There is a Survivor Reception for Cardiovascular & Stroke survivors and their caregivers. More than 5000 walkers are anticipated to participate in this non competitive one or three mile walk event. As our signature fundraising event, the Lowcountry Heart Walk is raising critical dollars for the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission.

The Charleston RiverDogs front office staff started a Heart Walk team with a collective fundraising goal of $1,500. By the day of the Heart Walk, the RiverDogs staff were able to donate a total of $1,675 for the American Heart Association.

American-Heart-Association-On September 29th, a police-estimated 5,200 people — men and women of all ages and ethnicities — gathered to celebrate survival, “miracles” and raised a projected $650,000 to help more fight the No. 1 killer of Americans, cardiovascular disease and defects. The walk also focuses on lifestyle change to improve heart health.

This year’s Heart Walk chairwoman, Anita Zucker, said the event helps highlight the Heart Association’s goal to reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease and strokes by 20 percent by 2020.

“To reach this goal, we must start in our communities across the nation,” urges Zucker. “Thank you for committing today to stand for positive change in our community. Today is the day we begin to walk more, eat better and live longer.”

Sales Representatives Annie Fuller and David Cullins and Director of Media Relations at the starting line of the 2012 Heart Walk
Sales Representatives Annie Fuller and David Cullins and Director of Media Relations at the starting line of the 2012 Heart Walk