‘Eddie’s Run’ to return August 20

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The fourth-annual “Eddie’s Run” will be held Aug. 20, from 11 a.m. until around 6 p.m., on the Fayette County Fairgrounds, and the organizer has announced several attractions which will be featured at the event.

Eddie Hartshorn, a 22-year-old Special Olympic athlete, has worked hard for Fayette Progressive Industries. Between him, his father and various volunteers, they have raised thousands of dollars the last three years to help Fayette Progressive Industries, a non-profit organization seeking to raise the standard of living for handicapped residents.

Back in 2013, Ed Hartshorn, Eddie Hartshorn’s father and founder of Eddie’s Run, was struggling with a way he could help Fayette County. He had talent and skills after working in various fields and wanted to put these skills and efforts into something he thought would be beneficial for the county.

“I had been in the military for years and was in businesses all over,” Hartshorn said. “I had been looking over at the tennis courts across from my house one day and I prayed about what I should do. It was about a week later I went to a Special Olympics event for my son and was saddened when I saw so few kids at the event. I asked Eddie, ‘Where is everyone at?’ After learning that it was impossible for them to afford a bus to bring over more kids that year I had even contemplated driving a bus for them. That was not to be, unfortunately, but it came to me, after waking every morning with the same question of what to do for two months, I decided to hold a motorcycle ride. I made a few calls and began my research.”

The first Eddie’s Run was held with a car and bike show. The event was successful in raising over $4,000 that year and all of the proceeds went to support Fayette Progressive Industries and the Special Olympics programs in Fayette County. Unfortunately, due to less planning time, the second year of the event was not nearly as successful, but Hartshorn did not give up.

Thanks to his efforts, the third year of the event saw the most success as the group had thousands of residents turn out. Between a handful of bands, plenty of attractions for the family to see and a bike ride that benefited Fayette Progressive, a total of $5,828.67 was raised. Eddie and his dad then went to Fayette Progressive and donated a check to be used on a variety of programs and items for the Special Olympics later in 2015.

This year, Hartshorn is bringing the General Lee back, the VFW Riders Post 3762 will be leading the bike ride again, and The Dragin’ Angels will be bringing a plethora of classic cars. Other attractions and concessions will be announced in the months to come. Volunteers can also begin to sign-up by visiting Eddie’s Run on Facebook, finding contact information on eddiesrun.org or by contacting Hartshorn at (614) 403-2203.

Stay with the Record-Herald as organizers release more information.

Eddie’s Run, a day-long event to benefit Fayette Progressive Industries, will be held on Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. until around 6 p.m. at the Fayette County Fairgrounds. A bike ride was held during the 2015 event, and several of the participants are pictured here being led by the VFW Riders.
http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2016/05/web1_EddiesRun-1.jpgEddie’s Run, a day-long event to benefit Fayette Progressive Industries, will be held on Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. until around 6 p.m. at the Fayette County Fairgrounds. A bike ride was held during the 2015 event, and several of the participants are pictured here being led by the VFW Riders.

By Martin Graham

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Reach Martin Graham at (740) 313-0351 or on Twitter @MartiTheNewsGuy

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