Special to The Eagle The Breast Cancer Survivors lead off the Breast Fest 2009 5K Walk.

In an continuing effort to promote breast cancer awareness and the importance of proper screening for the disease, members of From Our Hearts will again host Breast Fest 2010.

The day-long event to be heldSaturday, March 13, will include a 5K and 1 mile walk, raffles, children’s activities, live music and food from popular local restaurants.

Kicking off the event will be the 5K and 1 mile walk which will take participants through a quiet neighborhood in St. James City. Registration for the 5K and walk will commence at 7:30 a.m. at the St. James Civic Center at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Lemon Street in St. James City. Individuals and teams will begin the walk at 8:30 a.m. with breast cancer survivors leading the way. Along the walk route, local musicians, Brad Rodgers and Cindy Walsh will perform at different locations, providing encouragement for those participating. Each of the participants have solicited sponsors and all of the money raised will be donated to local breast cancer charities. In years past these proceeds have enabled From Our Hearts to present donations as much as $60,000 to organizations such as Partners in Breast Cancer Care who provide breast cancer screenings and treatment to those who can not afford them.

According to Sharon Kubik, From Our Hearts secretary, the theme for this year’s walk will be Plant a Seed For Breast Cancer Care.

“All of the walkers participating in our Breast Fest Walk this year will be given a packet of pink Catchfly flower seeds to promote awareness of the value of mammograms and other breast exams,” Kubik said. “The packet also contains a handy breast care screening guide. We are asking the walkers to plant the seeds and, as the flowers grow, they are a reminder of breast cancer care because all women need to be aware of the importance of breast cancer screenings, which can detect the disease early when it’s easiest to treat.”

During the morning hours, those participating in the walk as well as spectators can avail themselves of a full breakfast for a reasonable fee, sponsored by the St. James Civic Center from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. This is what has become known as SJCC’s Big Breakfast. The all-you-can-eat breakfast can be had for just $5.

As the walk winds to an end and participants return to the Civic Center, numerous local musicians will make an appearance on the Ray Jardine Memorial Stage. Beginning at 10 a.m., taking the spotlight will be the very popular Pine Island Trio, followed at 11 a.m. by the new group Skinny Water headed up by Kip Lawrence, then at noon Dogfish will perform, 1 p.m. will be Soap Box, 2 p.m. will be another new group to make the music scene is Me and the Boys, at 3 p.m. will be Cindy Walsh and the Shoreline Band. Then at 4 p.m. will be Scrambled and wrapping up the line up will be Burnt Out at 5 p.m.

In addition to an afternoon of music and celebration, Breast Fest also will feature food vendors from several island restaurants. Attendees will find the Lazy Flamingo who will sell its famous seafood gumbo, conch salad and smoked fish, Jackie’s Family Restaurant will offer gyros, short cake and fried mullet, Low Key Tiki will be flipping hamburgers and grilling hot dogs, Kibbe’s will offer locally caught seafood and the Waterfront Restaurant will take charge of beer, wine and soda sales. For those with a sweet tooth, members from the Pine Island Community Church will be at the ready to sell bakery items and hot coffee.

Also during the day, attendees will be offered another opportunity to make a donation and to show support for those under going treatment for cancer. At 1 p.m. Heidi Talbott from Angels Hair Design in Matlacha will cut hair to be donated to Locks Of Love.

Organizers of Breast Fest have seen to it that children attending the event will have plenty to do as well. On site will be a bounce house, face painting, games, prizes and more.

Each year, members of From Our Heart offer items for sale to commemorate the event as well as 50/50s and other raffles and again this year will offer the opportunity for one lucky winner to take home a very special prize. This year’s Big Raffle Ticket is food for a year. The purchase of a $5 raffle ticket or by purchasing three tickets for $10, puts participants in the running for 12 gift cards from Winn-Dixie valued at $100 each.

For more information about Breast Fest 2010 or From Our Hearts, visit fromourheart.org