By Ka‘ipo Ho  Beneath beautiful blue skies and a warm early morning sun, a dozen Outrigger Heart & Sole walkers participated in the American Heart Association’s 16th Annual Heart Walk. The event raises funds for the treatment and prevention of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.

The event, held at Kapiolani Park, included a 1-mile walk around the park, a 4.5-mile trek around Diamond Head, musical entertainment, special presentations, and health and wellness exhibits. This was Outrigger’s first year of participation and we discovered that it’s a huge family affair.

The American Heart Association’s Heart Walk was also a symbolic 2009 season finale of our Outrigger Heart & Sole Walking Program. Special thanks to Mercedes Lanza, Lauren Chow, Monica Fo, and Dr. Chuck Kelley for their invaluable contributions toward the success of Outrigger’s first company-sponsored employee walking program. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to all our Outrigger ‘ohana who came out and joined our scheduled company walking activities. We are looking forward to an exciting 2010 Heart & Sole season beginning next April.

Outrigger’s Heart & Sole walkers - Front row, Mercedes Lanza, Kathy Hansberry, Nancy Brunner, Danette Bolosan, and Kay Lee Back row: Shyla Uyesato, SueAnn Wells, and Ka‘ipo Ho