The ABAC men’s basketball team hopes to raise money in a unique fundraiser that will provide the public a “Cardiac Healthy Taste of Tifton.” Money raised will go to the basketball team and to the Red Cross in its efforts to fight heart disease.

ABAC Coach Todd Sheppard said that people who go out to eat may not want to eat from the “lite menu” and they don’t know that some of the restaurants’ regular menu options are also healthy. In addition to coaching the team, Sheppard teaches physical education classes at the college and is interested in healthy living.

“There are choices out there,” Sheppard said. “People who participate in the event will know what healthy foods are available in the community.”

A lot of people, particularly men, don’t get the medical check-ups they need, Sheppard said. Health professionals will also be on hand offering screenings and information on blood pressure and cholesterol advice.

“Hypertension is the silent killer,” Sheppard said. “People walk around with it and have heart attacks at young ages.”

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at the Ramada LTD and Conference Center on U.S. Highway 82 West.

For a $7 charge, members of the community will be able to taste five items served by local restaurants at the event. The “tastes” are not small as the description would indicate. Some of the tastes are half a sandwich.

Group rates are $75 for a group of 10 people. The group rate includes unlimited “tastes” of food and a room with seating for the entire group. Sheppard urges any retirement community to join in the event.

The event has several corporate sponsors, including Tift Regional Medical Center, South Georgia Surgical Clinics, P.C., Dr. Brent Savelli, M.D., and Rehabilitation Services of Tifton. Local businesses are urged to become sponsors of the event.

Participating restaurants include Applebee’s, Tokyo Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar, Loco’s Deli and Pub, Red Lobster, Subway, Shoney’s, LongHorn Steakhouse, Ruby Tuesday’s, Chick Fil-A, Zaxby’s, Wendy’s, Quizno’s, McDonald’s and Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

For more information or to secure tickets, call the ABAC men’s basketball office at 391-4937.



To contact city editor Angie Thompson, call 382-4321.