Coordinators on campus and at the medical center are looking for employees to take part in the 2003 American Heart Association Heart Walk, an event that holds particular significance for UC Davis.

The 12th annual 5K walk/run will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, starting at 9 a.m. in Sacramento's William Land Park. This year, Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef will serve as honorary chair of the event, so there is an extra incentive to make sure UC Davis is well-represented, said Carol Bone, executive physical program and community outreach coordinator at the heart center.

Vanderhoef called the UC Davis- Heart Association partnership "a natural alliance." He said his tenure as chair will be on behalf of his mother who died at age 52 of a heart attack. "My activities will, for me, honor her productive, but tragically abbreviated, life."

The chancellor has set a goal of getting 500 walkers from UC Davis; and the team fund-raising goal is $20,000-$25,000. "But the hope is that we'll raise more than that," Bone said.

Last year $18,000 was raised by UC Davis walkers -- who donated money and gathered pledges and other sponsorships. Difficult budgetary times are expected to make fund-raising more challenging this year.

UC Davis has received millions of dollars from the Heart Association to conduct research, which is supported in part by the walks. In addition, the event seeks to increase community awareness about the importance of walking as a heart-healthy exercise.

"This is like having a company picnic or family reunion where someone else is doing all the hard work," said Bone, noting that the Heart Association has made arrangements for free food and massages, a nutrition olympics, a kids game zone and more. "Practically all we have to do is show up in our T-shirts."

On campus, prospective team members can call Mabel Salon at (530) 752-9795. At the medical center, employees can call (916) 734-5055 to register. Also, alumni team members can contact Melissa Haworth, (530) 754-9098.