FORKLAND &045; Forkland community members were in step with one another at the Lions Club Walk-A-Thon held Saturday, where over 50 participants took steps to increase the awareness of diabetes.

During the event held at the Forkland Park from 7 a.m. until 12 p.m., participants walked laps around the walking track and collected tickets for each lap they walked. The participants’ fund-raised money for the event by collecting pledges for each lap they completed.

Branch said the club raised $4,000 through those pledges and part of the funds would return to the park where the event was held.

The Forkland Lions Club was established last year. Branch said when the club began planning what needs in the community they wanted to assist with; they found that a lot of people in the community had diabetes.

As part of the club’s advocating of diabetes awareness, Walk-A-Thon participants received counseling on diabetes and tips on healthy lifestyles.

Walk-A-Thon participant Catherine Washington brought her grandson, 5 year-old Jadan Darby to the event. Darby was diagnosed with diabetes when he was three.

Branch said, &8220;She (Washington) was inspired to walk for him because of his bravery in managing his diabetes.&8221; Washington was awarded for walking the most miles during the Walk-A-Thon.

Darby assisted with educating participants on diabetes awareness during the event.

Branch said the event also boasted three walkers who walked 15 miles each during the festivities.

The Lions Club plans to host the Walk-A-Thon as an annual fund-raiser for projects throughout the community.

So far since it’s organization, the club has participated in Clean Up Day, sponsored events for the area teens such as dances, adopted children and a family at Christmas, hosted a barbecue sale and is collecting glasses for their glasses drive.

Branch said the club wishes to thank the community for their continued support of the Lions.