Elevate: Heartstrings 2010

This weekend I participated in an fund-raising event called Heartstrings. Money that gets raised goes to fund Project Access of the Buncombe County Medical Society Foundation. Specifically Project Access is a "physican-led, organized charity care system founded in Buncombe County. It is a dynamic partnership of physicians, community clinics, the local hospital, and pharmacies. Since it's inception in 1996, Project Access has helped to lower Emergency Room utilization and significantly increased the number of Buncombe County residents with access to primary care or specialty services."

Some Numbers:

Approximately 85 percent of practicing physicians in Buncombe County volunteer their time through Project Access.

Over $9 million in services are donated every year to help low-income uninsured patients recieve the care they need.

The Heartstrings event, an annual fundraiser, yesterday reached it goal to raise $14,000 for Project Access!

Thank you friends and family for your donation to this compassionate cause which helps my fellow residents of Buncombe County!

The Event:

In the past Heartstrings has traditionally been a bike riding fundraiser, however this year they decided to change it up a bit. Crossfit Asheville became a sponsor and they ran the event with a Crossfit workout. To gain public support and awareness this was held at the Asheville Mall with lots of people participating and watching. No prior knowledge or experience with Crossfit was necessary to participate - just willingness to raise funds and exercise.

The workout:

As many rounds as possible in 10 minutes of 75 single jump ropes and 10 burpees.

There were some alternative options for those that either needed less challenge or more challenge - for the off the couch folks it was 25 single jump ropes and 5 burpees and for the athletic aces it was 25 double under jump ropes and 10 burpees.

During the workout we had bumping music and lots of cheering from the crowd which was very inspiring. I got 7 rounds and was only 5 burpees short of having 8 rounds! We did the workout in small teams of about 10 people. The coaches from Crossfit Asheville were there all day to run and support the workouts.

It was a very fun and inspiring way to use Crossfit as a way to support something larger than just myself. As a way to uplift myself and participate in a healthy lifestyle which in turn uplifts the quality of life for others through Project Access. As you may read in other posts, Crossfit is awesome! I have been doing it 3 days a week and feel great. There are Crossfit affiliate gyms across the country - check it out if you are looking for a community of inspiring people who are getting/staying in shape.

Thanks again for the support!