Congratulations to everyone who helped make the 2018 Philadelphia Heart Walk another great success! Pennsylvania Hospital is known throughout the health system for its Heart Walk spirit, and this year’s campaign — spearheaded by Jeff O’Neill, AIA, ACHA, CHFM, senior director of Facilities Services, and Marco Georeno, MBA, associate director of Allied Health and Ambulatory Services and Behavioral Health — was just as strong and enthusiastic as ever.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), over 92 million American adults are living with some form of cardiovascular disease or the after-effects of stroke, with heart disease and stroke remaining the nation’s #1 and #5 killers, respectively. The annual Heart Walk and festival aims to spread awareness of the prevalence of these conditions and their impact on public health, celebrate survivors, and encourage participants to take steps towards healthier living.
This year, an impressive 37 teams from PAH with 365 walkers braved the wind and rain at Citizens Bank Park to celebrate Philadelphia’s 20th Heart Walk and support the AHA’s “2020 Vision”: improving the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent and reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent by 2020 — a mission supported wholeheartedly by Penn Medicine.
“The Heart Walk is a fun way to remind us all — clinician or non-clinician — of our patient care mission and the roles we all play in building a healthier community,” O’Neill said. “Not only are heart disease and stroke conditions that PAH treats every day, but many of us, including myself, have personal connections to them that boost our enthusiasm and make fundraising for research all the more rewarding.”
Between personal fundraising and the funds earned from the bake sales, water ice sales, t-shirt sales, and basket raffles leading up to the walk, PAH was able to donate an outstanding $40,900 to fund lifesaving research and community programming, easily surpassing the initial $35,000 goal. Team “The Beat Goes On” raised nearly $7,000 alone, and other heavy-hitters were recognized by the newly created Heart Walk Leadership Society and the Heart Walk Grand Club with personalized plaques. The generous contributions from our staff and their supporters helped push the health system to a total of $203,135 and earn the “Top Company” designation.
Fundraising is “heart” work, though, so staff also seized the opportunity to wine, dine, and bid on some exciting auction items at the second annual Heart Walk Ball and Auction.
Some of the auction highlights included a wine tasting with CFO Frank Anastasi, FHFMA, MBA, a bourbon tasting with CEO Theresa Larivee, MBA, and two Flyers tickets and a Steven Starr restaurant gift certificate for a “night on the town,” courtesy of CMO Dan Feinberg, MD. Organized by O’Neill, Georeno, Sarah Viola, and Cassandra Upchurch, the event was held at the President’s House and Garden and gave staff the chance to socialize outside of work while supporting a great cause.
“PAH always comes through. The enthusiasm, dedication, and competitiveness creates an environment in which we all succeed, support one another, and make a significant impact on our shared goal with the AHA,” Georeno said. “It truly is a joy to work with each and every captain and team member!”