The 12th Annual Baldwin County Art For Heart campaign is underway. The mission is still the same. The American Heart Association is working to prevent , treat and defeat cardiovascular diseases and strokes, America’s No.1 and No. 3 killers. Every man, woman and child is at risk from these killers.

The discovery and treatment of these diseases requires funding for new breakthroughs in research and icreasing people’s knowledge and poser over their health while advocating healthier communities. These efforts are making a differences for present and future genertations and are saving lives.

Last year funds were raised to buy Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach police forces. The AED, if used in the first few minutes of an oncoming heart attack, has the capacity to save the life until a program of treatment can be applied. The fire and rescue teams already have state of the art for these emergencies yet in many cases the police are first on the scene. Now, the Cities will have several pruchased by last years drive and this year more can be addied to the vehicles that are oftern on the scene where crowds gather and present a greater percentage of heart faillure.

Chief Billy Wilkins of Orange Beach Police Force said that they will be able to purchase several for the cruisers and will designate one for the Marine Unit because in the summer especially they may get a call from Robinson Island or such to respond to. They will be able to the AEDs that meet their particular operations. With new funds more units will be added to save lives.

Kaiser Realty will be sponsoring the 12th Annual Drive and has had planning sessions t;o set up receptions and events. Other top -level sponsors include Platinum Sponsor Baldwin EMC, Bar SponsorMcCarron Insurance Group, Silent Auction Sponsor Columbia Southern University and Live Auction Sponsor Sacred Heart Health System.

A big reception is planned for March 29 in the evening for getting acquainted with sponsors and partiicipants. The evening will feature heavy hors d’ouvres by Village Grille, music by the Rovert Normand quartet, wine donated by Barefoot Wines & Bubbly and a full cash bar. There will be silent and live auctions including artwork, trips, jewelry, golfing and spa packages and some “one of a kind” experiences donated by local artists and businesses.

Sponsorship information, ticket costs and privileges can be obtained by calling the AHA office at 251-461-4006. The committee has made an aggressive commitment to raise $ !60,000 for vital cardiovascular research this year.

Yhe AHA thanks you.