The third annual Jockey Jog, a fundraiser organized by the Garland County Chapter of Circle of Friends to benefit Arkansas Children's Hospital, is set for Jan. 6 in downtown Hot Springs.
Registration for the race begins at 9 a.m. at Transportation Depot. The course will extend down the Hot Springs Creek Greenway trail before looping back around to the depot.
Preregistration for the event has closed, but individuals can still register on the day of the event for $40. Packets for participants can be picked up from 5-9 p.m. at DeLuca's Pizzeria, 407 Park Ave, on Jan. 5, or on the day of the race.
In addition to the family fun run and 5K race, there will be games, activities and a tent set up serving hot chocolate near Transportation Depot, said Audrey Smith, publicity chair for the Garland County Chapter.
"The goal for Garland County this year is to raise $12,000 to benefit Arkansas Children's Hospital. However, 10 Circle of Friends chapters all across the state have set their combined fundraising goal at $843,000," she said.
The funds will continue to support the hospital's educational outreach programs, as well as its new sister campus currently under development in northwest Arkansas. The new campus includes 33,613 square feet of inpatient beds, emergency care, clinic rooms and diagnostic services, a news release said.
Arkansas Children's Hospital is the only hospital system in the state solely dedicated to caring for children, allowing the organization to uniquely shape the landscape of pediatric care in Arkansas, the release said. For years, Circle of Friends chapters from across the state have supported the hospital.
"Through funds raised, Circle of Friends ensures the best and finest medical care to the children of our state. Perhaps an even greater responsibility is the valuable outreach and education volunteers provide to their respective communities," said Smith.
"A message of safety and prevention is sent by means of educational projects and outreach activities that target parents as well as children. Through this mission the group hopes to prevent a trip to Arkansas Children's Hospital, helping to keep our youth safe and healthy."Through funds raised, Circle of Friends ensures the best and finest medical care to the children of our state, an invaluable gift for both today and tomorrow. Perhaps an even greater responsibility is the valuable outreach and education volunteers provide to their respective communities. A message of safety and prevention is sent by means of educational projects and outreach activities that target parents as well as children. Through this mission the group hopes to prevent a trip to Arkansas Children's Hospital, helping to keep our youth safe and healthy. -->
This year's race is held in the memory of a cherished member of the Garland County Chapter, Andrea LaPaglia Hamby, who passed away last year.
"Andrea will be forever remembered for her faith, love, strength and compassion. She had a passion for helping others and was always the first to offer help when needed. She was an amazing example of pure generosity and grace to us all," the release said.
Local on 12/29/2017