December 8, 2019–10:11 a.m.
NEWS RELEASE
A festive crowd of more than 300 raced into the holiday season at Sam Smith Park for the Harbin Clinic Jingle Jog 5K benefiting the Tranquility House Domestic Violence Center on Saturday.
Dr. Henaro Sabino of Harbin Clinic Pediatric Cardiology Cartersville started the race for the slew of eager athletes, and the race course rang out with jingling bells that adorned runners’ costumes and gear as they vied for the finish line.
Sixteen-year-old Bill Archer of Cartersville was the first to cross over faster than a one-horse open sleigh with a time of 16:55, and female athlete Laura Brannen, 33, of Register, Georgia finished with a time of 20:39 amid the sounds of silver bells. Full race results from Wire2Wire can be accessed here.
The crowd, decked out in their finest, festive wear showed just how holly and jolly they could be for the costume contest. In addition to the race, many opted to stretch their legs during the Holiday Hustle health walk and fun run, led by Harbin Clinic Family Medicine Cartersville physician Dr. Jayson Fields.
Dr. Jason Andersen of Harbin Clinic Orthopedics Cartersville kicked off the Dasher Dash where excited children ages 5 and under sprinted after “Dasher the Reindeer.” Race awards were handed out by Harbin Clinic Cardiologist Dr. Digant Bhatt.
Throughout the morning, attendees enjoyed the Winter Village which included photos with Santa on his sleigh being pulled by Comet and Cupid (who were able to make an appearance in between their usual reindeer games at the North Pole). The holiday atmosphere also featured local artists and culinary booths.
‘Tis the Season for Giving
Harbin Clinic Jingle Jog participants were racing for a reason on Saturday. All proceeds from the event benefited the Tranquility House, Cartersville’s Domestic Violence program. Harbin’s dedication to causes that help families and children is a central part of its mission, notes Dr. Sabino.
“Harbin is committed to supporting the community and causes such as this,” said Dr. Sabino. “The Tranquility House directly impacts the wellness of the Bartow County community, making it healthier and that’s what we’re all about.”
“The Tranquility House is a tremendous resource for the community,” adds Dr. Fields. “Since Harbin wants to improve the overall health of Bartow County, we put our money where our mouth is so we can serve this community. We support being active and great causes.”
The key to overall wellness is mental and physical health. Dr. Andersen emphasized that a well community is a healthy and active one.
“It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, both in exercise and in diet,” says Dr. Andersen. “When we continue to keep our bodies in top shape and strive to eat better, it helps us live fulfilling lives.”
While the Tranquility House provides services for victims and survivors who need emergency shelter, they also serve those in the community who may have housing, but need other resources. Legal advocacy, counseling, relocation, financial services and more are among the resources the organization provides to families affected by domestic violence.
“At Harbin Clinic, our mission is to care completely for the health and wellness of every person in the communities we serve. We are thrilled to partner with the Tranquility House in delivering a festive, healthy event for families in Bartow County and Northwest Georgia,” says Sarah Tuck, senior director of marketing for Harbin Clinic.
“The Tranquility House is an incredible organization,” Tuck continues. “We are honored to support its mission in serving the victims of domestic violence, and appreciate the overwhelming support of the community in making the Jingle Jog a success this year.”
Please consider giving to the Tranquility House this holiday season. You can learn more about the organization at https://www.tranquility-house.org. For information about Harbin Clinic and its health and wellness initiatives throughout Bartow and Northwest Georgia, visit harbinclinic.com.