582 associates with heart: Teaming up for the Tampa Bay Heart Walk
For the 13th year in a row, hundreds of Raymond James associates, advisors, friends and family members walked in support of the American Heart Association.
After months of fundraising events, education sessions and fitness activities, more than 580 Raymond James associates and advisors, together with their friends and family members, collectively raised over $380,000 for lifesaving education and research in the fight against cardiovascular disease. The firm’s committed associates once again earned Raymond James the distinction of number one Heart Walk fundraising company in Tampa Bay.
“I think what’s really exciting about Heart Walk at Raymond James is that it’s become more than just an annual event,” RJA President and CEO and AHA Metro Tampa Bay board member Tash Elwyn said. “It’s something we embody and live throughout the year, and it has created more awareness and focus on the importance of wellness.”
Since 2010, Raymond James and its associates have raised more than $3.1 million for the Tampa Bay Heart Walk.
Focused on fitness
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. That’s why the Raymond James fitness center emphasizes the importance of exercise throughout the firm’s Heart Walk fundraising season. For the third year, associates had the opportunity to participate in the Heart Strong Challenge, a month-long competition in which Heart Walk teams earn points by logging activities such as biking, walking and attending Raymond James fitness classes.
“I continue to be blown away by our associates who participate in the Heart Strong Challenge,” Fitness Center Manager Cassandra Masessa said. “It has been a wonderful way not only for our associates to prioritize exercise and wellness, but also for them to form bonds by encouraging and supporting one another in their respective fitness journeys.”
The 270+ Heart Strong walkers collectively logged more than 2,800 hours of exercise during the month of October, and raised more than $60,000 for the Tampa Bay Heart Walk.
The 2022 Tampa Bay Heart Walk
After a virtual Heart Walk in 2020 and a Heart Walk experience across three pop-up locations in 2021, this year’s event was back at Raymond James Stadium with more than 15,000 participants across the community, including hundreds of Raymond James walkers.
“Year after year, it’s the personal stories that move me,” Associate Director, Branch Change Management and Raymond James Heart Walk Campaign Lead Amanda Pilcher said. “Almost everyone has been personally affected by heart disease or knows someone who has. To be able to rally together to raise nearly $400,000 for this cause – then walk together in celebration of our success – there’s nothing quite like it.”
Raymond James participates in the Tampa Bay Heart Walk along with Heart Association events across the U.S. Visit our Heart Walk national company page to learn more.
Sources: cdc.gov, American Heart Association
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.
Raymond James Cares
Together, we make a difference to build, strengthen and grow our communities. To learn more about the firm’s corporate philanthropy, click here.
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