2018 Metro Detroit Heart Walk Raises Nearly $1.3 Million—and Counting

DETROIT – Supporters of the 2018 Metro Detroit Heart and Stroke Walk/Run have raised nearly $1.3 million for education and research in the fight against heart disease, despite cold, drenching rain the day of the event.

"The Heart Walk is a natural partnership for Henry Ford Health System because we have seen the devastation of heart disease and stroke on patients and families,” said Henry Ford Health System President and CEO Wright L. Lassiter III, who co-chaired the event with Wayne State University President M. Roy Wilson. “I know that, together, we can help more people and save more lives.”

At least 2,000 people gathered on the Wayne State campus Saturday, May 12, to show their support for the life-saving work of the American Heart Association. The 5K run and 1-mile walk – shortened from 3 miles due to weather – took place through the campus and north toward Henry Ford Health System’s corporate headquarters at 1 Ford Place in the New Center area.

According to the Heart Association’s website, supporters had raised $1,276,946 of a $1.5 million goal as of Monday, May 14. The Heart Association will continue to accept donations through June 15, when a final total will be announced.

Collectively, Henry Ford Health System and HAP are currently the top fundraising company, with a total of $289,833 raised to support research and education. Henry Ford Health System had 206 teams and 1024 registered walkers; HAP had 19 teams and 140 registered walkers.

Heart Walk team members raised money in various ways, from paper heart walls and healthy food fundraisers to asking family, friends and businesses for donations.

"Community service is at the heart of what we do at Henry Ford Health System and HAP, so we’re excited to have surpassed our goal of $250,000,” said Meagan Dunn, Director of Community Outreach and Partnerships for Henry Ford Health System. “We look forward to another great Heart Walk next year – and, hopefully, a lot more sunshine."

Barbara Rossmann, President and Chief Executive Office of Henry Ford Macomb Hospital and team coach for “The Rossmann Poker Giants,” is the current top individual fundraiser for the Heart Walk, with a total of $25,560 raised through 32 donations.

Barton Malow is home to the current top fundraising team, the “Heart Builders,” raising $30,530 through a combination of business and individual donations.

“Despite the weather, the 2018 Metro Detroit Heart and Stroke Walk was an amazing success,” said Beth Collins, Vice President of Heart Walk at the Southeast Michigan American Heart Association. “We truly appreciate the commitment and passion from everyone at Henry Ford Health/HAP. Not only have you all surpassed the fundraising goal, you’ve proved to be truly dedicated partners in our mission to end heart disease and stroke for all Metro Detroiters.”

The American Heart Association is a 4-star Charity on a 4-star scale, according to the nonprofit Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator, which accepts no advertising or donations from the organizations it evaluates, is the largest and most-utilized charity evaluator in America, looking at the financial health, accountability and transparency of over 9,000 charities. Overall, 80% of money raised by the American Heart Association is used to support research, education and ending the effects of heart disease and stroke, according to the group’s analysis. Just over 8% of donations are used for administrative expenses; 12% is spent on fundraising expenses.

For more information about the 2018 Heart Walk or the American Heart Association, please visit www.miheartwalk.org. To take an online heart quiz to check your own cardiovascular health, please visit www.HenryFord.com/hearthealth.

Media Contact:
Tammy Battaglia
TBattag1@HFHS.org
248-881-0809