The American Heart Association has presented its Gold Achievement Award to Pierce County. The award, given to Councilmember Rick Talbert during the organization’s annual breakfast on May 5, recognizes employers who champion the health of their employees by creating physical activity programs within the workplace.
“I’m honored to receive this year’s Gold Achievement Award and I want to use the opportunity to recruit volunteers to help get the word out about heart disease and stroke,” said Talbert, who represents Pierce County’s 5th Council District. “Two years ago, the AHA gave Pierce County the ‘most improved’ award but donations dropped off last year. We need to redouble our efforts to get Pierce County back on the donations leader board and I hope every one of our citizens can help out, either through volunteering, participating in the South Sound Heart Walk or donating to such a great cause.”
Talbert, along with Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy, is championing the Pierce County employee participants again this year.
“We’re proud to have Rick on the front lines of the fight against these diseases that have affected so many of our citizens’ lives,” McCarthy said. “Traditionally, the City of Tacoma leads the South Sound area in donations but I want to challenge every resident of Pierce County to help out the cause by donating their time or money to the American Heart Association. Let’s show Tacoma how much we care, too!”
The 2015 South Sound Heart and Stroke Walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, at LeMay America’s Car Museum in Tacoma. Participants can register now by visiting www.southsoundheartwalk.org. The local fundraising goal is $350,000 and already donors have raised $101,392. That means there are just 150 days to contribute $248,608 before the deadline.
Participants who register online can start their own team, join an existing team or join as an individual. For more information on the American Heart Association and its lifesaving mission, please visit www.heart.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Rick Talbert, Pierce County Council
253-798-6653
[email protected]
Pat McCarthy, Pierce County Executive
253-798-7477
[email protected]