Buehler’s Fresh Foods raises record funds to support heart and brain health through the American Heart Association
CANTON, OH November 9, 2021 — For the third year in a row, Buehler’s Fresh Foods joined the fight against heart disease and stroke by supporting the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all. From September 17th through October 17th, Buehler’s participated in the AHA’s fundraising campaign, Life Is Why We Give™. At the register, the company asked customers to donate $1, $3, or $5, raising a record $55,043.
“Heart disease and stroke affects so many of our loved ones,” said Dan Shanahan, CEO of Buehler’s. “The American Heart Association truly makes a difference in the lives of those right here in Stark and Wayne counties, and we are honored to help bring their mission, to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, to life. This donation wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our customers, and for that, we are so grateful.”
Buehler’s donation supports both the 2021 Wayne Heart Walk and 2021 Stark Heart Walk campaigns. The dollars raised through both campaigns is used to improve the health of Stark and Wayne County residents. Currently, more than 25% of Stark and Wayne County residents suffer from hypertension, another 38% has high cholesterol, and 36% of the population is obese. In addition, 37% of Stark and Wayne County residents have limited access to healthy food, and 36% of high school students are users of tobacco products (including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes).
“These numbers are staggering,” said Tracy Behnke, Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the American Heart Association. “But, the community, through the American Heart Association, is fighting back. In the last year, locally, the American Heart Association taught infant CPR to our Amish population, provided blood pressure monitors and best practices for community loaner programs, and equipped our schools with CPR training materials and curriculum for student training to meet state requirements. All of that was possible because of donations like those through the Life is Why campaign.”
Donations through the Life is Why campaign – no matter the amount – also allows the Association to:
• Fund research that can improve the health outcomes of heart and stroke patients;
• Train more than 2.5 million high school students in CPR annually;
• Support the work of local entrepreneurs and organizations working to improve health outcomes in under-resourced communities.
In addition to contributing to save lives through Buehler’s, donations can also be made directly to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org/lifeiswhywegive. To learn more about the Life Is Why We Give™ campaign and other participating companies, please visit www.heart.org/lifeiswhywegive.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Buehler’s
Buehler’s Fresh Foods was founded in 1929 by E.L. Buehler and his wife, Helen. In 2017, Buehler’s went through a management buyout and formed an ESOP. Buehler’s operates 14 supermarkets, 7 liquor agencies, outside catering, coffee shops, and a Food Truck named Ferris. Buehler’s is proud to be recently Certified™ by Great Place to Work.
For Media Inquiries:
Jessica Smylie, Communication’s Director, American Heart Association
717-891-9122, Jessica.Smylie@heart.org