More than 150 residents of all ages turned out for the area’s first Walk from Obesity on Sunday, Sept. 28 at Bellevue High School, hosted by Overlake Hospital Medical Center. As a result of their efforts — both walking and fundraising — more than $15,000 was raised to help fund obesity prevention, education and research.

STAR 101.5 radio personality Herb Weisbaum served as emcee for the afternoon event and the crowd heard several inspiring stories of those whose lives were affected by obesity.

Attendees were then entertained and cheered on by a peppy and perky group of kids from the Galaxy Cheer and Dance Team of Redmond. They were later guided through warm-up stretches by a group of personal trainers led by Matt McCarty of Feel Good Fitness before they began the one-mile walk on the school’s outdoor track.

Event organizers were pleased with the turnout and the weather that sunny Sunday.

“It was a great start to what we hope to continue as an annual fall fundraising and educational event,” said Karen Baumann, Bellevue Walk from Obesity coordinator and clinical coordinator of Overlake’s Weight Loss Surgery Program. “We received tremendous support from the community and other healthcare organizations. We’re thrilled with our first-year results and we’re sure to see participation, collaboration and fundraising grow and develop in the years to come.”

The national Walk from Obesity was established by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Foundation (ASMBS) and the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) to increase awareness of obesity and those affected by the disease. More than 70 cities across the U.S. hold similar walks in September and October.

Walkers raised money by asking friends, family and co-workers to sponsor them. In addition to walker income, funds are raised through sponsorships, matching gifts, corporate contributions and other fundraising activities.

Funds raised through the event will support the ASMBS Foundation and the OAC in their efforts to increase funding for obesity research, improve awareness of the negative stigma associated with obesity and provide educational resources for those affected by this disease.