A contingent of between 50 and 100 walkers from Fayette County joined more than 4,000 Atlanta area walkers at the American Heart Association's Heart Walk Sunday.

More than 30 Fayette County companies and civic groups were represented. Gold's Gym, The Citizen newspapers, Fayette Community Hospital, the Fayette County Republican Party, Cooper Lighting, Peachtree National Bank, Re/Max and the Rotary Club of Peachtree City were some of the participants.

Under the leadership of J.D. Holmes, owner of two local Gold's Gyms, the local Heart Association raised a record-breaking $25,000. Not only did the group gather the largest amount of donations in the history of the local association, but they also had the highest number of participants since the Heart Association centralized the walk in Atlanta.

“I was very impressed with the presence of Fayette County and their strong commitment to the event,” said Doug Halleen, vice president of field services for the Southeast Affiliate of the Heart Association. “They raised over $25,000 in new dollars that will play a significant part in the fight against heart disease and stroke.”

Heart disease and stroke are the number one killers in Fayette County and throughout the United States. In 1998, 174 people in Fayette County and more than 23,000 in Georgia died from heart disease or stroke.

Classic Canopies donated the use of a tent, allowing the Fayette teams to gather in one central location at Turner Field. Peachtree City Subways, China Cafe, Gold's Gym and Manhattan Bagels donated food.

In addition to walking approximately three miles, participants enjoyed music, entertainment, free food and drinks from various vendors, took home goody bags and gathered an assortment of free items from sponsoring vendors. Free blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checks also were given.

While more money will be collected through the end of this week, currently the Heart Association has raised more than $450,000 through the Heart Walk.

Other Fayette County companies and teams making significant contributions to the Heart Association included the Peachtree City Kiwanis with a donation of $1,000, the Metro Fayette Kiwanis with a $700 donation, SouthTrust Bank, SunTrust Bank and the Small Business Council of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.

Marie Schlosser, Paul Oddo, Jim Watkins, Jim Daughtry, Ron Duffey and Janet McGregor served as county leaders, assisting Holmes in soliciting donations and teams of walkers.

For information on the Fayette County American Heart Association contact Mary O'Conner at 770-730-8440.