Freeman tops list of Heart Walk fundraising companies

The American Heart Association’s (AHA) Las Vegas Division recently announced that Freeman Co. was the top fundraising company for the 2010 Heart Walk in Las Vegas.


The Heart Walk was held Saturday, October 16, 2010, at Exploration Park in Mountain’s Edge. A highlight of the event was the 1st Annual 5k Heart Run. The timed run included more than 250 runners in its inaugural year, pushing the event to over 6,000 participants.

“These individuals have made an outstanding commitment to the American Heart Association, helping us improve the cardiovascular health of the state of Nevada,” said Lacy Ekert, Business Development Director at the AHA.

The dollars raised at the Heart Walk will help fund life-saving research for men, women, and children across America, suffering of heart disease and stroke. Freeman has set a precedent by raising over $16,000, the largest donation raised by a Heart Walk company team in 2010. Freeman also hosted fundraisers throughout the year to benefit the AHA, including its annual golf tournament held at Red Rock Country Club which raised over $10,500. The company also hosts jeans days and bake sales, where employees contributed over $6,000.

“Cardiovascular disease affects millions of people every year,” said Carrie Freeman Parsons, vice chair of Freeman. “We at Freeman are passionate about supporting the AHA because we know that research is the best defense in the fight against heart disease. The Heartwalk is a great event that supports Freeman’s wellness initiatives. ”

Not only does Freeman help raise funds, it also helps the AHA with associated event costs by donating items such as the stage, sound system and start line.

“We are extremely grateful to all of our partners and supporters over at Freeman,” said Ekert. “They are a great company and have exceptional employees that help us save lives,”

The American Heart Association invested more than $132 million during fiscal year 2008–09 on research support so people across America can live stronger, healthier lives. Last year, more than a million walkers raised nearly $100 million in 350 Start! Heart Walks across the country. Research funded by the American Heart Association has contributed to many important innovations, such as CPR, life-extending drugs (including clot-busters), pacemakers, bypass surgery, the heart-lung machine and surgical techniques to repair heart defects. These and other advances are making it possible for many to call themselves “survivors.”

Freeman hopes to raise significant funds once again, to meet the 2011 event goal of $300,000, which will assist in research and educational programs. The 20th annual Heart Walk and 2nd Annual Heart Run will take place Saturday, October 15th, 2011 at the same location.

For more information about the Heart Walk, call the American Heart Association Las Vegas Division at (702) 367-1366 or visit www.lasvegasheartwalk.org.