Local walk raises nearly $1.3 million for heart and brain health
DAVIE, Fla. , April 13, 2023 — On March 12, the American Heart Association, Greater Miami/Fort Lauderdale market raised nearly $1.3 million to save and improve lives across the community during the 2023 Broward Heart Walk.
This year over 50 companies, 180 teams and thousands of walkers came together on Nova Southeastern Universities campus raising funds to support lifesaving cardiovascular research, advocacy efforts and community programming.
“The Heart Walk is about getting people moving, celebrating life and caring for all of the hearts we love,” said Marisol Garcia, executive director of the American Heart Association in Greater Miami/Fort Lauderdale. “Thank you to our walkers, sponsors and incredible volunteers who charged forward to make this year’s Broward Heart Walk so successful.”
Highlights of the day included a live warmup by three HCA Florida Healthcare cardiologists, goat yoga to inspire mental well-being, and a rousing national anthem by Zipporah Hayes. The event was hosted by Vivian Gonzalez, meteorologist at WSVN. The top fundraisers included:
- Top Individual Fundraiser, raising over $36,900 – Andrew Koenig, CEO of CITY Furniture
- Top Fundraising team, raising over $240,550 – CITY Cares
- Top Fundraising company, raising over $309,300 – CITY Furniture
Chaired by Alex Espinosa, chief operating officer at Cleveland Clinic Florida and American Heart Association volunteer, a heart attack survivor himself, Espinosa brought together 12 local leaders who served on the Walk’s Vice Chair Committee:
- Doug Bartel, Florida Blue
- Ryan Case, Rick Case Automotive Group
- Lenny Chesal, iM Data Centers
- Bob Denison, Denison Yachting
- Robert Fernandez, Stiles
- Andrew Koenig, CITY Furniture
- Brian Mumme, B&I Contractors
- Jeff Petak, One Beat Medical
- Ryan Shea, Right Management
- Michele Slane, Memorial Regional Hospital
- Bob Swindell, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
- Giancarlo Zuniga, Truist
“We walked to save lives, that’s what it’s all about. Everyone has a reason why they walked, why they took a stand against heart disease and stroke,” said Espinosa. “My heart attack was unforeseen. I took on this role of chairperson because it’s important that all of us really educate ourselves to live healthy lives, if possible, to try to avoid occurrences like the one that happened to me,” he said.
The event was made possible with the support of our local Greater Miami / Fort Lauderdale sponsors: CITY Furniture, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Pediatrix Medical Group, Rick Case Automotive Group, Memorial Cardiac & Vascular Institute and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Broward Health, Florida Blue, Florida Power & Light Company, HCA Florida Healthcare, Nova Southeastern University, One Beat Medical, Schiller Americas, Stiles, Truist, Holy Cross Health, JM Family Enterprises, Solstice Benefits, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, B&I Contractors, LaCroix Sparkling Water and Advanced Roofing.
Donations in support of the Broward Heart Walk can still be made at www.BrowardHeartWalk.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Gabby Yibirin, gabby.yibirin@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
