The hearts of residents of Owatonna have felt the impact of cancer in the community many times. Back in 2009, a group of individuals decided to do something about it and make the lives of those suffering from this disease a little bit easier. The From the Heart Race has been an annual event in Owatonna for the past eight years. This organization has helped 22 families struggling with cancer make ends meet, including the three families that will benefit this year. The families of Mrs.Julie Bauer, Mrs.Royetta Spurgeon and Mr.Don Hettinga are benefiting from the 2016 race.

Many events are happening to help raise money for the families, including t-shirt sales, a spaghetti supper, a silent auction, a bake sale and the race itself. The pre-race t-shirts are being sold through OHS Counselor Mrs. Margo McKay. Mrs. McKay said, “The pre-race t-shirt money all goes directly into the fund for the families. The deadline for ordering one is Wednesday, Mar. 23.” High school students and community members can purchase pre-race shirts at Washington Elementary or Profinium Bank in Owatonna. The price for these shirts are $12.00 for the adult shirts in grey or green and $10.00 for a kids shirt in grey. The spaghetti supper, silent auction and bake sale are on the night before the race- Fri. May 6. They last from 4:30-8:30 p.m. at the Owatonna Junior High School. Spaghetti supper tickets are $7 in advance and $8 at the door. Kids under five years of age eat for free. Pre-sale tickets are available for purchase at Washington Elementary and Profinium Bank. Silent auction baskets must be dropped off in advance at Lincoln Elementary, Washington Elementary or by contacting Mrs. Beth Svenby to set up an alternate drop-off location at 456-8909. Bake sale items can be brought to OJHS on Friday, May 6, or by contacting Ms. Nichole Engel at [email protected]. The final event that raises money for the cause is the actual race.There is a half marathon, half marathon relay and the 5k walk/run. The event is being held on Saturday, May 7, along the trails beginning at Lake Kohlmeier. Registration for the race and information regarding prices and deadlines can be found on fromtheheartrun.com.

There are many ways for high school students to get involved in the run. According to Mrs. McKay, the community needs high school kids to show their support and volunteer. She stated, “I need help with the spaghetti supper, and there are always a lot of jobs. We need help getting silent auction baskets to the junior high and setting up. We need help in the dining room during the meal, handing out race bags, packing up and helping move stuff to cars for the next day race. On Saturday morning, there are many jobs, helping set up and tearing down are probably the biggest need.” Students can commit time, money or talent related donations.

High school students who are looking to make a difference may volunteer on either Friday or Saturday. Interested students should contact Mrs.McKay. Students can also make an auction basket, bring baked goods for the bake sale or run in the race. Many students in the past have teamed up and gone out to race together, sometimes even teaming up with staff members. Take part in this community event to help benefit a good cause!