Heart Walk donations down this year
With donations for last Sunday’s American Heart Walk down substantially over last year’s totals, organizers blamed the decrease on the downturn in the economy and local job losses.
American Heart Association regional director Brandon Powell said the local walk held at River Park Hospital raised over $28,000, a figure he said he expects to exceed $30,000 when all donations have been collected. By contrast, over $47,000 was raised by the walk last year.
“Warren County had a great year last year and we knew going in that was going to be hard to top,” said Powell. “We also realize the community has seen a lot of industrial layoffs. Still, we are pleased with this year’s results. That’s $28,000 more than we had before. The American Heart Association is always glad to get funds to help with our education and research.”
One bright spot in this year’s Heart Walk, he noted, was the record number of organizations taking part in the event. A total of 25 groups, including many area businesses, sponsored 30 walking teams.
Bringing in approximately $3,500, Sunbeam Oster took the honors for the top fund-raising company, while River Park Hospital captured second place, with over $2,000 raised.
“We thank the community for its continued support of the American Heart Association. McMinnville and Warren County have always been there for us year after year,” said Powell.
He noted the county will have another opportunity to help prevent heart disease and stroke – America’s No. 1 killers – in February through the Hearts in Bloom program, which sells flowers and potted plants to raise money for the Heart Association’s efforts.