HOT SPRINGS — Family and friends of Ezekiel James “Zeke” Blanton would want nothing more than for him to be by their side, having fun and doing good deeds together. They are doing the next best thing through The Eternity Foundation, a philanthropic organization established in memory of Blanton, who died last December in a vehicle accident on U.S. 70.
The organization will host its first fundraiser Saturday in Hot Springs and plans to light up the Spa City with glow-in-the-dark fun. The E-Luminate Glow Run & Citizen Way Concert is a perfect representation of Blanton, said his sister, Jennifer Vining of Hot Springs. Vining is a co-founder of The Eternity Foundation.
“Zeke lived life to the fullest, and he encouraged everyone to simply live and do good,” she said.
Her brother’s favorite times were spent when family and friends were gathered, Vining said. He also believed in helping others without recognition, she said, adding, “The foundation will honor that by bringing people together at exciting and unconventional events to raise funds for important causes.”
At the event, Justin Martin, a family friend and a celebrity from the reality television show Duck Dynasty, will welcome guests to the Citizen Way concert at a meet-and-greet, which will kick off the festivities and get participants energized for the glow-and-foam run.
Activities for children will be available with bounce houses, face-painting opportunities and glow sticks galore, and food from Chick-fil-A and Flossie’s Funnel Cakes will keep people fueled. After the Citizen Way concert, featuring the contemporary Christian tunes of this all-male band, DJ Kramer will provide the upbeat music for the fun run’s start.
“It will be an evening of fun for all ages,” Vining said. “Come dressed in white or bright colors, and be ready to have a good time.”
The mission of The Eternity Foundation is a simple one and also serves as a family motto, Vining said: “Do good and help others.” Helping others has always been a part of her family, she said. Having fun is equally important. “We like to have fun, so this event is a perfect way to honor Zeke’s memory.”
Blanton was particularly close to Vining’s sons, Tatum and Liam, she said, so planning the glow run has helped them in the grieving process.
“We are a very close-knit family. My dad died in 2002, so now my mom and I are a family of two. The establishment of the foundation and this event has really helped her get through this loss as well.”
Proceeds from E-Luminate will benefit several organizations. They include Teen Challenge, an outreach for troubled men and women that is nationwide with a Hot Springs division; Samaritan Ministries, a local organization that helps the homeless; and The Well, an international group that advocates against human trafficking.
Vining said this event is the area’s first glow-and-foam run and that she and organizers look forward to the function establishing “a presence in the community and bringing people together for a whole new experience in Hot Springs.”
The event will begin at 6 p.m. at 3100 E. Grand Ave. Tickets for the race only are $35, and $25 for the concert only. For a group of 10 or more for the race and concert, tickets are $35. The standard race price for youth, ages 6-16, is $15, and VIP youth tickets for the race and concert are $30. Standard adult tickets for the race and concert are $40, and VIP adult tickets for the race and concert are $65. Children 5 and younger will be admitted free. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/eluminateglowrun.