NBJ PR Wire

2006 LAS VEGAS HEART WALK RAISES OVER $300,000

Release Date: January 9, 2007

2006 Las Vegas Heart Walk shatters participant and fundraising records

LAS VEGAS (January 8, 2007) - On October 14, over 4,000 walkers were expected to participate in the 2006 Las Vegas Heart Walk, breaking records for both participants and funds raised in the fight against heart disease and stroke. While the rain might have dampened the Walk that day, it certainly did not affect the support provided by the Las Vegas community.

Together, through individual and corporate donations, more than $300,000 was raised, exceeding the $190,000 raised in 2005 by 43%. Under the leadership of Heart Walk Chairman Dean Collins, Vice President, Relationship Manager of Business Bank of Nevada, the 2006 Heart Walk broke the $300,000 mark for the first time in its 15-year history.

According to Collins, a number of factors contributed to the success of this year's Heart Walk, including increased public awareness of the role the American Heart Association plays in the fight against heart disease and stroke.

"Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Americans, regardless of ethnicity or sex," Collins stated. "The American Heart Association is leading the way both nationally and here in Las Vegas to reduce this toll through public education, advocacy, and research."

Money raised in Las Vegas is used to fund life saving research and educational programs aimed at fighting heart disease and stroke. In 2005-2006, the American Heart Association funded over $10 million in cardiovascular and stroke research in the Western States Affiliate alone. The Western States Affiliate includes American Heart Association offices in California, Nevada, and Utah.
"The more people know and understand the important role the American Heart Association plays in our community…in educating the public about ways to reduce the death and disability caused by heart disease and stroke, the more likely it is that they will get involved," Collins explained. "The results of this year's Heart Walk reinforce Las Vegas’s commitment to do just that."

Collins also credited a number of companies in the Las Vegas area for their commitment and success - highlighting Freeman Companies ($25,100), Wynn Las Vegas, (over $20,000) and University Medical Center (over $17,000) as the top 3 fundraising teams for 2006 Las Vegas Heart Walk.

A local family also made a tremendous impact in support of the 2006 Las Vegas Heart Walk. The Stuart family of Henderson supported their daughter Mikayla, who is a survivor of heart disease, by raising $17,775.

2006 Las Vegas Heart Walk Notes of Interest
· This year’s top walker is Mikayla Stuart. Mikayla, raised $17,775.
· The top corporate team was Freeman Companies raising more than $25,100.
· Southwest Gas Corporation had the most walkers registered with 267.

Planning for the 2007 Heart Walk, scheduled for Saturday, October 13, is currently underway.
Please contact Jason Belland at 702-686-9937 to get involved.

About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is the largest voluntary health organization fighting heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases in communities across America. These diseases devastate millions of Americans of all ages and cause nearly 950,000 deaths each year. To prevent, treat and defeat these diseases, the association funds breakthrough research, educates the public and health professionals, and advocates for healthier communities.

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