Ocean City, NJ. Dec 7, 2021 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on ensuring longer, healthier lives for all, has named not one but two co-chairs for the 2022 Spring Heart Walk, Anthony Suppa and Jake Ottinger as Board Chairmen for 2022. In this role Suppa and Ottinger are charged with a $230,000 fundraising goal to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.
The Heart Walk which will be held on May 21, 2022, at the Ocean City Board Walk in Ocean City, NJ. The Heart Walk unites the community in celebrating health and honoring survivors. Suppa and Ottinger will be joined by other likeminded executives working to increase physical and mental health, combat burnout and promote community engagement. The executive committee members include:
- Andrew Shaw, Dr. Haitham Dib, Frank Carpenter, Brittany Knapp, Chuck Biondi, Carl Bloomfield, Russell Leo, Bubba Schomber, with more joining every day.
“We are thrilled that Suppa and Ottinger will lead the Southern NJ Heart Walk efforts this year,” says Earnestine Walker, Executive Director, American Heart Association in Southern New Jersey. “Under Suppa and Ottinger’s leadership, we are confident that we will achieve the goals for our Heart Walk, which will support the advancement of transformational research initiatives and educational programs in our local community to help people lead longer, healthier lives. “
“I am extremely honored and excited to serve as Co-Chair of the 2022 American Heart Association’s Southern NJ Spring Heart Walk. I was specifically inspired to take this leadership role after the recent passing of my co-worker and friend Dennis Monzo. Dennis passed away in July of 2021 due to a sudden heart attack. I have always been aware of the major impacts that cardiovascular disease and strokes have on so many people across the world, however, the passing of Dennis hit home harder than ever. I was quickly inspired to try and contribute towards a solution for such diseases in any way possible, and I saw the Heart Walk as a great opportunity to do just that”. Jake Ottinger, Spring Heart Walk Chairman.
“I was involved with the Heart Walk in years past, and truly support the cause and enjoy bringing my family to the annual event. This year, I suffered a devastating blow by losing a close friend and work colleague, Dennis Monzo, to an unexpected heart attack at just 46 years of age. As I tried to process what had just happened, Jake Ottinger reached out to me with a touching phone call expressing his desire to Chair the 2022 Heart Walk in an effort to promote awareness and prevent further losses of individuals like Dennis. I felt there was no better way to honor Dennis and his family but to do my part by promoting a healthy lifestyle in the battle against cardiovascular disease.” Anthony Suppa, Spring Heart Walk Chairman.
The funds raised fund the mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives while supporting priority issues in South Jersey.
To learn more about engaging your workforce, visit www.snjfallhw.org; or contact Emma.Kimenhour@heart.org for more information.
The American Heart Association’s Heart Challenge® is a suite of activities and initiatives designed to help companies positively impact employee overall health and well-being. The program is anchored in a series of customizable workplace events that inspires employees to be more engaged, reconnect with colleagues, get in their physical activity, support a great cause and have a lot of fun doing it.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Theresa Spencer, Communications Director, 267-997-3354; Theresa.Spencer@Heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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