When Lori Thomas' pastor's wife shared details about health screenings she did in Frederick, Md., on 30 to 40 Hurricane Katrina evacuees, Thomas knew she had to do something to help.
Within a day, she formulated the details for a fundraising walkathon for the American Red Cross that will take place Saturday, Sept. 24.
Thomas, the owner of The Sports Connection at the Clarion Hotel, got permission to use the newly carpeted track above the hotel's indoor pool.
"It's an opportunity to help people, to help your neighbors," she said. "Anything to make a difference."
Thomas, who has been a Weight Watchers leader for about six months, was looking for something that her groups could do and they agreed that just about everybody could walk. Weight Watchers will match the donations collected, she said.
The walkathon will be from 8 a.m. to noon. Thomas is asking that those who participate walk one mile, which is six laps around the track, and collect a minimum of $50 in pledges.
All participants who meet those requirements will be entered in a noontime drawing for prizes, including a two-night stay in the Presidential Suite of the Clarion Hotel complete with hot tub and baby grand piano; tickets for "The Nutcracker" at The Maryland Theatre; four Boyds Bears and collectibles; and personal training sessions at The Sports Connection.
For more information or to get a sponsor sheet, call Lori Thomas at 301-739-0772.
