Friends and American Heart Association ambassadors came together on June 9 at the Bank of America Building in Washington, DC for the 5th annual Greater Washington Volunteer Leadership Reception to enjoy good food, engaging company, and to be honored for the hard work and enthusiasm put into AHA mission activities in 2015-16.
With the Washington Monument providing a stunning background, 53 ambassadors and advocates were honored for their dedication to AHA’s mission at events throughout the year. Ambassadors were recognized for representing AHA at health fairs, serving on committees, volunteering at events like Heart Walk or Stroke Awareness Day, and advocating at Lobby Days. You’re the Cure advocates spent a busy year actively engaging the DC Council and others in support of CPR in Schools, Shared Use, and several tobacco control measures.
The program was hosted by Aaron Gilchrist, an anchor at NBC4, and the awards were presented by Greater Washington Board President-elect, Dr. Richard Benson. The night was particularly special for stroke survivor Mark Moore and his wife Brenda, who were honored with the Transformational Community Service Award for their commitment, leadership, and support of EmPowered to Serve. You’re the Cure honorees included: Neha Aggarwal, Richard Benson, Nancy Chapman, Franciel Dawes, Jennifer Griffin, Gail Harris-Berry, Gail Mates, and Todd Villines.
Gail Harris-Berry, one of the advocate ambassadors honored on Thursday said about serving, “It has made me more aware of this multifaceted disease [heart disease], enlarged my circle of influence making others conscience of the #1 killer, and made helped to make an impact in the lives of others every time I'm asked to share my story.”
Achieving AHA’s mission in the Greater Washington Region would not be possible without so many dedicated and passionate volunteers and high level ambassadors. AHA’s mission volunteers are the ones advocating for heart-healthy policies, in the community talking to their neighbors, setting up health fairs, and making a difference. They are our Greater Washington heroes and AHA honors them for their fantastic work in 2015-16.
Pictured here: Dr. Richard Benson (left), President-elect, with Brenda and Mark Moore, who were given the Community Partner Award.
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<Thanks to AHA Intern Spencer Davis for development of this blog post>
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