WisBusiness: Have A Heart

What do the NFL, Donny Osmond, Rachel Ray and Nickelodeon have in common? They have all paired with the American Heart Association on initiatives to work towards their mission: To build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

The American Heart Association was founded in 1924 by a group of six physicians from cities across the country. Since its inception, the organization has grown to nine affiliate offices that each cover a region of the United States and Puerto Rico with their national headquarters located in Dallas, Texas. Here in Wisconsin there are three offices located in Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay.

The American Heart Association uses the money raised to focus on promoting healthy lifestyles, health initiatives, advocacy, continuing education and research. It also has become one of the many organizations that have decided that the wave of the future is to offer their services to individuals online. As a result the AHA website houses everything from the signs and symptoms of heart attacks and strokes to a program titled “Start!” where you can track your progress to live a healthier lifestyle. Promoting a heart healthy lifestyle is especially important here in Wisconsin, where cardiovascular diseases and stroke are the No. 1 cause of death.

One of the most notable movements of the American Heart Association in recent years has been the “National Wear Red Day” and “Go Red” luncheons. These events were founded to raise both money to help further their cause, and awareness of the fact that heart attack and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 3 killers respectively in America. In 2007 these two signature events raised over $27 million dollars.

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED:

As Valentine’s Day approaches, keep in mind that a heart is a beautiful thing to waste, and check out the American Heart Association to find out how you can get involved in helping its heir efforts to build healthier lives.



The WisBusiness.com Wisconsin Non-Profit Report is an occasional feature written by Elizabeth Greer, a veteran fundraiser and event planner in the Madison area. For more information on this feature, please contact info@wisbusiness.com.




EVENTS THIS MONTH:

Blizzard Blast
Event benefits Easter Seals
Dorf Haus Supper Club, Roxbury, Sauk City
$20 for euchre, Texas Hold’em, and frozen turkey bowling (no reservations required)
For advance tickets contact (608) 277-8288 ext. 109
February 2, 2008—1:00 p.m.

Wausau Go Red For Women Luncheon
Event benefits the American Heart Association
The Rose Garden, Wausau
For ticket information contact Karla Lodholz (715) 359-7335
February 7, 2008—11:00 a.m.

3rd Annual Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Milwaukee Bucks Game
Event benefits Adoption Resources of Wisconsin.
The Bradley Center, Milwaukee
$35 for two regular tickets, $500 for two luxury box tickets
For tickets contact Marilyn Boeldt (414) 475-1246
February 9, 2008—7:30 a.m.

2008 Milwaukee Heart Ball
Event benefits the American Heart Association
The Pfister, Milwaukee
For ticket information contact Marcia Gjertson (414) 271-9999
February 9, 2008

Special Olympics Polar Plunge
Event benefits Wisconsin Special Olympics.
Muskego County Park, Muskego
For more information contact Spring Breitzman (262) 241-7786
February 10, 2008—12:00 p.m.

16th Annual Strike Out Heart Disease
Event benefits the American Heart Association
Janesville El-Ra Bowl
For ticket information contact Bill Breidenstein (608) 752-6573
February 16, 2008

The Bowling Ball
Event benefits the Junior League of Madison’s Mad About Kids Health initiative for the benefit of the health of women and children.
Schwoegler’s Park Towne Lanes, Madison
$75
Tickets available at http://www.juniorleagueofmadison.org/bowlingball.php
February 16, 2008—8:00 p.m.

Star of Hope Foundation South Beach Gala Fundraiser
Event benefits the Star of Hope Foundation to help fund childhood education.
The Wisconsin Club, Milwaukee
$125 per person, $1,250 for a table of ten
For tickets contact Chris (414) 839-2928
February 21, 2008—5:00 p.m