The East Point and College Park Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host a 5K heart walk and run Feb. 23 at Welcome All Park.

Race time is at 9 a.m.

This is the second year that the walk dubbed “From Our Heart to Yours” will be hosted by the sorority.

LaDrica Derrico, one of the event coordinators, said the walk is in response to a need in the community.

“We want to make a bold commitment to the cause,” she said. “We believe that in order to help America ‘go red’ as a whole, we have to start with our community.”

The walk is open to the public and all proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association.

To participate in the walk, the cost is $30 and includes registration and a T-shirt.

Derrico said attendees can expect a family friendly environment.

“We will have fitness instructors do a nice warm up for everyone,” she said. “They can expect for everything to be structured.”

At last year’s inaugural walk, 45 people registered for the event and an additional 20 on race day.

“It was very impressive for our first walk,” said Derrico. “This year we hope to surpass that number.”

Minimal changes have been made for this year’s walk.

The overall format and structure of the walk is the same but different levels have been made for those who are participating in the 5K for competition purposes.

“Last year, everyone was grouped together,” said Derrico. “This year we have separated everyone into five age categories.”

Men have also joined the ranks of registered runners and walkers, which is a change from last year.

Derrico said she hopes that residents participate in the event.

“We want people to be educated and aware,” she said.

Welcome All Park is at 4255 Will Lee Road in College Park.