‘Flyin’ Ryan’ 5k Fun Run/Walk will be held Saturday, Aug. 26 in Gainesville
Deb Garcia, right, owner of Sweet Little Things Bakery in Gainesville is pictured here with her late son, Ryan Hardison. Deb and husband Lou have organized the “Flyin’ Ryan” 5k Memorial walk/run in his honor annually since his death in 2018.
The Flyin’ Ryan Fun Run 5k, a memorial fundraiser run/walk, in honor of the late Ryan Hardison, is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, in front of Gainesville City Hall.
Medals will be given to first, second and third places.
A shirt fundraiser is also being held with a deadline of this Friday Aug. 4. Shirts are $25.
Money from this year’s event will be kept in an account with hopes that a scholarship can be established in Hardison’s honor.
Hardison was son of Gainesville’s Sweet Little Things Bakery owners Deb and Lou Garcia. He died unexpectedly on Aug. 2, 2018, when he was just 34 years old.
Those wishing to contribute but are unable to attend the event can donate or purchase a t-shirt. Shirts can be mailed for an additional $5 charge.
To sign up, search for “Flyin’ Ryan Fun Run 5k Run/Walk”on Facebook.
Participants can also bring a check into Sweet Little Things, located on the east side of the Gainesville square, during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday or call the bakery at 417-679-0454 for more information. Checks can be made out to Flyin’ Ryan Fun Run and mailed to Deb Garcia, 9472 County Road 151, Price Place, Arkansas 72661.
Those wishing to contribute a monetary donation to the program in honor of Hardison can also bring it to any Century Bank of the Ozarks location. Indicate the donation should be made to the ‘Flyin’ Ryan Fun Run’ account.