Local women raise nearly $40,000 to advance heart health awareness and scientific research support through the American Heart Association’s® annual award program
A local entrepreneur has earned recognition by the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, for her dedication and contributions in the fight against the No. 1 killer of women in South Central Pennsylvania.
Molly Halbert, owner of m.elene in York, has been named the 2022 South Central PA Go Red for Women® Woman of Impact Award winner. This award is given to Halbert for achieving the highest number of points for her community impact activities and leading her “Susquehanna Scarlet Hearts” team to raise over $21,000 in support of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.
“Raising awareness and supporting the American Heart Association was the goal of this campaign; however, we achieved so much more,” said Halbert. “We are a strong, powerful community. Long lasting friendships were formed, connections were made, and each and every one of us felt motivated to lend a hand and support one another.”
Each year, a group of local women are nominated by their peers to embark on a 9-week journey starting in February competing for the local award through a collective series of fundraising and community impact activities. Collectively, this year’s South Central PA nominees and their teams took action to educate and improve the health of their communities, impacting over 2,000 people and raised nearly $40,000 for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement. The five nominees included:
- Molly Halbert, owner, m.elene vintage – Woman of Impact winner
- Heidi Bowie, strategic partnership client executive, Highmark
- Emily Bumgarner, registered dietitian, Weis Markets
- Lizaida Morales, medical software trainer, UPMC Central PA
- Melissa Sprout, assistant store manager, Weis Markets
“We are so grateful to Molly and to all of our nominees for their work elevating the Go Red for Women message and raising critical funds in support of our mission,” said Kristie Davis, development director for the American Heart Association. “We’ve made considerable progress in women’s heart health awareness, but our work is far from finished. Research published by Go Red for Women shows that younger women in particularly may still not be aware of their risk for heart disease and stroke.”
All of the Woman of Impact nominees will be recognized for their efforts during the 2022 Capital Region Go Red for Women event on Thursday, May 12 at the West Shore Country Club. Those interested in getting involved can visit harrisburggored.heart.org.
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For 18 years, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
