Supporters of a Grace Clinic fundraiser held on Thursday enjoy homemade macarons.
ELKIN — A breezy spring afternoon at Elkin Municipal Park was the backdrop for last week’s “Piece of Cake” fundraiser benefitting Grace Clinic. The 5K with special homemade sweet treats for participants was held this year as a socially distant alternative to the usual Gala fundraiser held for the clinic which provides medical care for those without health insurance.
Sharon Kallam, longtime nurse with Grace Clinic, called the event “very exciting.”
“All of the proceeds are to us and our patients and it fulfills our mission to be able to provide them with medical care, labs, x-rays, and all the things that make them healthy,” Kallam said.
A nurse for nearly 50 years, Kallam said the work with Grace Clinic is especially important as it reaches a population in need. She said the clinic has seen an increase in new patients amid the pandemic.
Joann Collins, another longtime Grace Clinic volunteer, was at the event as well.
“It’s just right here,” Collins said, tapping her heart, as she explained why it was important to her to be a part of the clinic’s work reaching patients who are uninsured.
The walk, organized by Grace Clinic receptionist Beanie Taylor, was put together in a short amount of time but still had a nice turnout.
“I am beyond impressed by the amount of support that we have had from the community,” said Taylor.
Teresa Smith, owner of Harry’s place, brought her staff to the event to support the fundraiser as well as provide a team building opportunity.
“It’s team building for a great cause,” Smith said.
Event participants enjoyed some sweet treats after the walk with homemade cakes as well as a variety of flavors of macarons donated by Bill Colvard of Jonesville.
Colvard, who hopes to open a business selling his macarons, said he was honored to take part in the event as he believed in the mission of the clinic.
Kitsey Burns Harrison may be reached at 336-258-4035 or follow her on Twitter @RippleReporterK.