Race for the Heart

Eastwood Homes hosts charity event for The HEARTest Yard

BY BRANDY TEMPLETON

Participants in the Eastwood Homes fundraiser for former Carolina Panthers great Greg Olsen’s foundation had fun racing on over-sized tricycles, eating BBQ and connecting with builders of the Peyton Creek community. Teams competed for bragging rights and a trophy. The event also featured a raffle with autographed NFL memorabilia.

The big winner was The HEARTest Yard, a program of the foundation that has raised more than $8 million for family support and service program for pediatric cardiovascular patients and their families in the Carolinas. The event raised $6,500 for the nonprofit.

The housing development is the first of its kind for the company, which traditionally offers build-on-your-lot options with homes starting in the mid $600’s.

CEO Clark Stewart runs the family-owned company, which is based in Charlotte. His father Joseph started the business in 1977.

“What better way to kick this community off than by giving back to charity,” he said.

“It’s a great cause that helps deal with all the emotional, physical, and financial pressures these families face while their child is being treated,” added spokeswoman Shaiel Cherches.

Sponsors included CPI Security, Century 21, EBJ Law Southpark, and Rad Chad’s Italian Ice, which donated a portion of its sales to The HEARTest Yard.