River Park CEO shows heart

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON / News Editor for the Southern Standard

River Park Hospital CEO Steve Otto and Cumberland Bank president Brentt Crouch were as good as their word Friday as they drove their golf carts from their homes in Golf Villa all the way to McMinnville.

That was their promise if their employees raised $6,000 for the American Heart Association. Otto challenged hospital workers to raise $5,000, while bank employees were required to raise $1,000 due to the difference in the number of employees at the two businesses.

The unusual motorcade was provided a police escort courtesy of the Warren County Sheriff’s Department DARE program. The group made the first stop on its long trek at McMinnville Ford, where employees came out and greeted the group and donated money.

Otto was leery of the cloudy skies which threatened rain, but was pleased with the success of the challenge.

“We’re hopeful we’re going to make it and won’t run out of gas,” said Otto at the start of the trip. “We’re just looking to have a good time and raise awareness for the Heart Association Heart Walk that we’re having next Saturday. We encourage everyone to come out and participate.”

“I think it’s a lot of fun,” said American Heart Association regional director Maggie Brown, who was along for the ride. “I think it’s great what these guys are doing to raise awareness for the American Heart Association, and I’m just really proud to be able to ride along with them.”

The 2004 American Heart Association Heart Walk is set for Saturday, Aug. 7, with registration at McMinnville City Hall beginning at 8 a.m., and walk activities starting at 9 a.m.

The walk will begin at city hall and proceed along the greenway and back to city hall. For any questions, please contact Maggie Brown at 1-800-280-8042.

PHOTO INFO:
River Park Hospital CEO Steve Otto and Heart Walk organizer Maggie Brown take the front cart while Cumberland Bank’s Brentt Crouch, with wife Nicole and daughters Addyson and Alexis, fill the second as this unusual motorcade makes its way into McMinnville Friday. (Charles W. Johnson photo)