The American Heart Association of Southern New England hosted an event on Thursday, August 24, 2017 to celebrate achievements from the past year, and thank the incredible volunteers and donors that support the American Heart Association and help make these achievements possible.
Opening remarks given by David M. Bodah, Executive Director for the American Heart Association of Southern New England, included some the AHA’s most recent achievements in the Rhode Island community, including achievements in advocacy, and the association’s impact in local schools and on community health. He spoke of a new state bill that updated the nutrition standards for snacks and beverages sold in schools, and the Tobacco 21 campaign that increased the minimum legal sales age for tobacco products to 21 in both Central Falls and Barrington. The Southern New England office also engaged with over 6,000 students across 143 schools in Rhode Island through a variety of health education programs including Hoops for Heart and Jump Rope for Heart.
During the evening’s festivities, American Heart Association staff recognized outstanding volunteers with a brief awards ceremony highlighting fundraisers from the 2017 Heart Walks:
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- Top Fundraising Walkers:
- Helen Lupu from Miriam Hospital Cardiac Rehab
- Pauline Pavao, Red Dress Ball
- Daniel Couture
- Top Fundraising Teams:
- Top Fundraising Walkers:
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A special recognition, Whole Heart Awards, were presented to three outstanding supporters who participated in all three of the American Heart Association’s major events this past year—the Go Red for Women Luncheon, Heart Walk, and Heart Ball:
“Our work both here in our local community and at the national level to improve outcomes from heart disease and stroke depends on your commitment to and support of the American Heart Association,” said Bodah. “We are so grateful for all you have done this year, and we look forward to seeing what we achieve together in the coming year.”