Step It Up and Rock It Out: The Hailey Rath Memorial

The Hailey Rath Memorial Event honors Hailey's joy for life and her final gift as an organ and tissue donor.

Hailey passed away at the age of 13 in 2005. Today a young teen in Michigan listens to Hailey's heart beating in her chest, thankful for her second chance at life. Hailey's kidneys and liver went to people in Wisconsin and an additional 70 people received tissue transplants from Hailey. The Rath family was overwhelmed by the impact of Hailey's donation and has dedicated their time to organize this annual event that honors Hailey and works to promote organ donation awareness.

The event is being held at The Rock, one of Beloit's riverside venues, which will provide food specials at their outdoor patio and will donate a portion of the day's proceeds. The run/walk, which starts at 7:30am, will begin at The Rock. Registration begins at 7am. Registration forms are also available online at: haileyrath5k.org. The top three race winners will receive cash prizes, and participants registered prior to August 1 will receive a t-shirt.

The music, which begins at 1pm and lasts into the evening, is presented by JBZ Sound. Bands include:

• Dynamite Society (former 529)
• The Bass Creek Boys (who play a little bit of everything)
• LYX (who play hits from the 70s and more)
• Greg Gerard (a singer/songwriter who does R and B)

Event proceeds will go to the UW Health Organ Procurement Program's organ donation education fund, which works to increase organ donation, and the Hailey Rath Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Since its inception, the event has raised more than $28,000. Sponsorship opportunities are available and business owners who wish to learn more may visit the Web site or contact committee member Lori Katterhenry at (608) 751-8536.