KeyBank is partnering withthe American Heart Association to promote healthy living.
By Myra Orenstein
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in this country, yet many women continue to believe it is a man's disease, and too often make light of the warning signs.
With 21,000 total employees across the country, KeyBank decided to take notice. "It?s less a matter of geography than it is of demographics," says KeyCorp CEO Henry Meyer about the company?s strides toward better health. "About 70 percent of Key's employees are women, as are a large percentage of our clients. By partnering with the American Heart Association on Go Red For Women (the Heart Association?s national awareness and fund-raising promotion), Key is actively demonstrating our concern for this important cause, and our desire to make a difference in the lives of many Key employees and many Key clients."
Key stepped to the plate for the second consecutive year to sponsor the Go Red For Women breakfast that will be held on Feb. 2 at the downtown Cleveland Marriott.
Beginning at 7 a.m., guests can shop at the Fashion and Wellness Expo and receive free health screenings, including blood pressure and glucose. Meyer says he hopes that the 500 expected women attendees will don the Heart Association's Red Dress pin and red outfits to create a sea of red in the Marriott ballroom and help launch American Heart Month.
Although there will be a fashion show, the morning will be by no means all fun and games. It will be educational with female physicians from area medical institutions on hand to discuss heart-related issues. The Plain Dealer's Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Connie Schultz will deliver a motivational keynote address. The event will culminate with educational and wellness breakout sessions.
The day will be about fund-raising, too. Red dress cutouts with space for donor signatures will be sold for one dollar and put on display at KeyBank branches. Checks featuring the red dress logo will be made available for customers? new check orders.
"This is a showing of support for women in general," says Lisa Oliver, president of KeyBank Cleveland District and member of the American Heart Association Board of Trustees. "We understand that a woman must be healthy personally in order to be healthy professionally. We hope to raise awareness and help educate our employees and the public. Please join us."
