In a formal proclamation signed by Eureka Mayor Scott Punke on September 4, Eureka citizens are urged to participate in the event that supports the Heartline/Heart House effort to provide services to residents of Woodford County and the city of Washington in a crisis. The “Race With Your Heart” event is a 4 mile run or 2 mile walk annual fundraiser for the organization and will be held on Saturday, September 22 at Eureka Lake in Eureka. Following the race and walk will be a free lunch with home-made cookies for all participants with door prizes, a free massage, and a uniquely designed tee-shirt. A 3D medallion will be awarded to the top five finishers in each running division and a $50 gift certificate and award to overall male and female winners. The race is part of the Lake Run Club and the Illinois Valley Strider Grand Prix Circuit.

The Miss Teen Illinois, Alexandra Plotz, will be at the event. A Geneva, Illinois, resident, she is actively involved with community service when she is not studying at Rosary High School in Aurora. Alex feels that giving back to her community and others is one of the greatest rewards one can receive.

Registration starts at 8:00 a.m. and the race begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Eureka Lake Pavilion. Entry fees for the race and walk are $25 per person. Registration will be open the morning of the race, as well as on the website www.heartlineandhearthouse.org, or in person at 300 Reagan Drive in Eureka, or call (309) 467-6101. You can also download a race form at www.lakerunclub.org under “Calendar of Area Races”.

All proceeds aid in the continuation of Heartline’s services to help meet basic needs of those in the community, as well as Heart House providing shelter for those who are homeless and a safe haven for victims of domestic violence. The shelter relies on fundraising events and individual and organizational donations. Heart House serves Woodford County and Washington Residents. More information can be found at www.heartlineandhearthouse.org.