Glance at Methodist Family Health’s list of programs -- ranging from acute psychiatric hospital care and therapeutic foster home care to emergency shelter care and early childhood development -- and it’s evident that the 113-year-old organization is committed to serving children and families in Arkansas.

That’s what former Razorback and Dallas Cowboy Clint Stoerner found after touring the Methodist Children’s Home campus in Little Rock earlier this year. “The work Methodist Family Health is doing to help kids of all ages really impressed me, and I wanted to do anything I could to help,” Stoerner says.

For the sixth annual event, he’ll serve as honorary chairperson at Methodist Family Health’s most important annual fundraiser, the Walk for Children and Families. Stoerner adds the fundraiser to a roster of other charity events in which he participates, including a golf tournament to benefit the Community School of Cleburne County, which serves special needs children and adults, and 3 Miles of Men for the Race for the Cure.

New to the Methodist Family Health cause, Stoerner felt a connection because “kids are just fun to be around,” he says simply. His college and professional careers in football make an impression on children, especially young fans of the beloved Razorbacks or Cowboys. Though Stoerner doesn’t believe that celebrities and athletes should be role models to kids -- “I think a role model is someone that is in a kid’s life daily,” he says -- he also recognizes the importance of making a positive impact on the people he meets.

“I feel like I have a responsibility to represent my family, the University of Arkansas and other professional organizations I have been blessed to be associated with throughout my career at a high level,” Stoerner says. “I hope I have inspired both young and old to make giving back and helping others a priority. I cherish every opportunity I have to impact young people in a positive way.”

Families can meet Stoerner, his family and friends, and United Methodist youth groups from across the state at the North Little Rock side of the Big Dam Bridge to participate in the walk. Organizers are hoping to match or surpass last year’s grand total of $85,000, which funded a security fence for the Methodist Children’s Home Fillmore campus.

In the past, proceeds have benefitted makeovers of buildings, therapeutic play areas and playground equipment. This year’s fundraiser will help the Methodist Behavioral Hospital in Maumelle purchase new bed and dresser sets for rooms.

“I hope the Walk brings attention and more support to all the programs and services of Methodist Family Health," Stoerner says. "This is a nonprofit organization that is all about taking care of kids, teenagers and even young mothers with babies. More people need to know that this is right here in Arkansas, in our own backyard.”

Sixth Annual Methodist Family Health Walk for Children and Families
Date: Friday (Aug. 3); registration opens at 6 p.m. and walk begins at 7 p.m.
Where: North Little Rock side of the Big Dam Bridge; parking will be available at Crystal Hill Elementary School and a free shuttle to the bridge will be provided.
Cost: $20, families $50
Info: Call Annie Davis at 661-0720 x7301 or email ADavis@MethodistFamily.org

Stride across the Big Dam Bridge with former Razorback Clint Stoerner to support Methodist Family Health and the organization’s many programs, including this year’s beneficiary, the Methodist Behavioral Hospital in Maumelle. Families are welcome to sign up the day of the event. All participants will receive T-shirts, free pizza and Frosty Treats ice cream. Awards will be presented to those who raise the most money and awareness.