Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun

Chilly temperatures, heavy rain and a muddy construction site couldn’t deter nearly 300 people from participating in last weekend’s 12th annual All-Valley Heart Walk.

The event, sponsored by the Kern Valley Hospital Foundation, was scheduled to take place on the high school track, but was hastily relocated to a nearby parking lot due to Mother Nature’s lack of cooperation. But not even the weather could take away from the impressive turnout, up from 35 teams in 2009 to 95 this year.

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Participants came out in creative getups to raise awareness for their various causes; some wore capes, others heart covered pajamas, and many even brought along enthusiastic four-footed companions. Observers of the parade of umbrella-covered strollers, garbage bag clad seniors pushing walkers and mud splattered joggers couldn’t deny that the Kern Valley has a lot of heart.

Several large groups participated this year, one of which was a joint effort by the Kern Valley Sun staff and local Sheriff’s Activities League. The group walked in memory of Sun staffer Sheryl Muncy who passed away last year in a tragic accident. Judges awarded the group the “Community Spirit” award.

CJ Bundy, a long time supporter of the event, recruited 20 teams sponsored through her salon. Not surprisingly the “Most Teams” award went their way. Over lunch Bundy explained her commitment to the fundraiser, “All of our lives have been touched by someone with heart disease.” Bundy, who lost her own father to the disease, added “I believe it’s really important to support our local hospital and the Hospital Foundation.”

Event organizer, KVHD Community Outreach Coordinator Jeanette Rogers was overwhelmed by Saturday’s turnout. ”I cannot believe that so many people were willing to weather that downpour and come out to support us,” she said. “It was the most amazing display of community support and cooperation that I’ve ever seen.” Rogers also added that businesses such as Beyond Juice, Sienna Wellness Institute, Burger King and Hodel’s of Bakersfield supported the event way beyond her expectations.

The final tally on the amount raised won’t be known for some time, but if the 26 phone calls Rogers received Saturday afternoon alone promising further donations is any indication, money will continue to pour in making the 2010 Heart Walk one to remember.

Heart Walk Award Winners

Judge’s Overall Choice: Heart Connection

Team With Best Themed Costume: South Fork Woman’s Club

Most Enthusiastic: Pure Energy

Most Teams: CJ’s II (20 Teams)

Most Team Laps: Camp Irwin Owen (2 Teams) with 438

                 Goofy Goobers (1 Team) with 274

Team with Oldest Combined members: The Beat Goes On (289 combined

years among its 4 members)

Oldest Walker: 93-year-old ‘Squeaky’ from CJ’s II walked 2 laps

Oldest Honorable Mentions: Fran Wilson, 91, and Katie Gallager, 87,

Youngest Walkers: 3-year-olds Wyatt Johnstone, Jana Borthick, Jillian Barr

Most Laps - Individual Man: Rusty Muncy (94)

Most Laps – Individual Woman: Rose Holt (54)

Youngest Team Most Laps: Team Bob Robinson (Desiree 7, Tyler,

10, Sharri, 11) Total of 97 laps

Community Spirit Award: Kern Valley Sheriff’s Activities League