This April, Carolina Panther’s star tight-end, Greg Olsen, and Charlotte’s hometown restaurant, Showmars, once again teamed up on a mission to support children from around the local community who are impacted by congenital heart diseases and disorders. Supporters of all ages, including many children and families touched by the HEARTest Yard Fund, showed their support at the family-friendly event. Over 1,000 runners, walkers, families and Showmars patrons came together to raise vital funds for the HEARTest Yard initiative at Levine Children’s. A total of $141,000 were raised this year.

During the beloved community event, Greg and his family led a parade to kick off the 5K, which topped off a season of tremendous giving from Greg’s family and foundation, which contributed an additional $2.5 million to help build the HEARTest Yard Pediatric Cardiac Center at Levine Children’s. Dean Peroulas, chief executive officer of Showmars, also made an appearance, thanking attendees and sponsors for their heartfelt support of the HEARTest Yard.