WAYNE COUNTY, OH — The American Heart Association’s 2024 Wayne County Heart Walk broke a sponsorship record this year, raising nearly $110,000 in sponsorships alone.
The event’s platform sponsors were Wooster Community Hospital and the Wooster Heart Group.
Other substantial sponsors included: Aultman Orrville Hospital, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Cleveland Clinic, DASCO Home Medical Equipment, Metals USA, Seamon Corporation, and The J.M. Smucker Company (aka Milk-Bone).
In total, the event has raised more than $190,000 so far, with fundraising still ongoing.
“Our community really rallied together to raise critical funds for heart and brain health,” said Adam Briggs, co-chair of the event and investment advisor at Briggs & Starr.
“We are so proud to be part of a community that cares about health equity, that promotes well-being in the workplace, and that prioritizes healthy living,” added Scott Boyes, co-chair and CEO of Wooster Community Hospital.
More than 700 walkers participated in the 1 and 2.5-mile course on Thursday, September 19th at Kinney Fields in Wooster. During the event, they took part in hands-only CPR demonstrations and health screenings.
The event was designed to empower people in Wayne County to perform CPR in an emergency. 9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital will die. In most of those cases, bystander CPR was not performed. However, CPR – especially if performed immediately – could double or triple a person’s chance of survival.
“We are transforming a community of bystanders into a community of lifesavers,” said Lisa Wheeler-Cooper, executive director of the Northeast Ohio chapter of the American Heart Association. “Every walker who joined us and every dollar donated means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments for people right here in Wayne County.”
Funds raised from the Wayne County Heart Walk go towards local programs including CPR training and blood pressure control. The funds also benefit research, advocacy, and public health education.
Fundraising continues through September 28th with the Buehler’s Life is Why Campaign. Customers at any Buehler’s Fresh Foods location can make donations to the American Heart Association’s lifesaving efforts while checking out at the register.
Other sponsors of the Wayne County Heart Walk included: Bogner Construction Company, Briggs & Starr Wealth Management, Western Reserve Group, The Wooster Brush Company, Wooster Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center, Wooster Eye Center, Wooster Hydrostatics Inc., ArtiFlex, Bloomington Medical Services, Buckeye Oil Producing Co., Daisy Brand, Hummel Group, Huntington, Jarrett, MainStreet Bank, PRC-Saltillo, Rea & Associates, Inc., The Ruhlin Company, Schaeffler Transmission LLC, United Titanium, Westfield Bank, Wooster Glass, and Wayne County Health Department.
2024 is the American Heart Association Centennial – celebrating 100 years of being a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Since the organization’s founding in 1924, deaths from cardiovascular disease have been cut in half.
To donate or learn more, visit: 2024 Wayne County Heart Walk - Heart Walk - American Heart Association
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Chelsea Caldwell, Communications Director – Northeast Ohio
Chelsea.Caldwell@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
