The Chattanooga pre-Walk4Hearing event: the Kickoff, will take place on Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St. The event will provide entertainment and give information to team captains, walkers and volunteers.
Pre-registered guests will be welcomed upon arrival and enjoy fellowship prior to the program that begins at 11 a.m. Kickoff coordinator Bea Lyons will introduce special guest Anna Gilmore Hall, the executive director of Hearing Loss Association of America which sponsors the 23 Walk4Hearing programs across the country. Ms. Hall will address the role that Walk4Hearing plays in the HLAA organization.
Following Ms. Hall’s presentation, Chattanooga Walk4Hearing chair Betty Proctor will recognize current sponsors and introduce Michelle Picard, 2014 Olympian silver medalist from the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team. Ms. Picard will be available to answer questions; sign autographs and pose for photos following the program at noon.
North Hamilton County Distinguished Young Woman Ashley Boles will perform a short dance routine followed by the introduction of Center Stage Dance Company director Victoria Dunn and students. Children attending the Kickoff will follow the group off-stage where they will be taught a short dance routine to be performed for attendees just prior to lunch.
While the children leave to learn their routine, the event continues with an interactive program to highlight the ways that the Chattanooga Walk4Hearing has impacted the lives of adults and children with hearing loss in the greater Chattanooga area. A video featuring the 2014 Walk4Hearing Ambassador Katherine Powlowski also will be shown.
Before the children return to perform their dance routine, Ms. Proctor will explain the information provided in team packets and answer questions. Special recognition will be given to Marriott Springhill Suites who are sponsoring a free two-night stay, a $500-plus value, which will be awarded to the individual walker who raises the most money at this year’s Walk4Hearing.
For more information, see www.hearingchattanooga.org, or email baproctor@epbfi.com.