Let’s all go for a walk, Broward — for your heart and others’

You might say Broward has shown great heart throughout the pandemic, focusing on what matters most — the well-being of our families, friends and communities. This weekend, we can all take important steps together to make a real difference by joining in the American Heart Association’s 27th annual Broward Heart Walk, raising lifesaving funds and awareness of our No. 1 health threat: heart disease.

I invite you to lace up sneakers and head outside on Sunday, March 14, starting at 9 a.m. for this year’s Broward Heart Walk, as AHA aims for a record $1.5 million fundraising goal. It’s an ambitious goal that’s crucial, as the pandemic economy has hit AHA and other charities hard. We’re well on our way and now need your help to take us to the finish line. For the second year, this event is a digital experience, so you can sign up, set your goal and safely “walk where you are,” at home or in your neighborhood. While it’s virtual, you can enjoy the excitement and camaraderie by visiting facebook.com/AmericanHeartFlorida. On March 14, be sure to share your pictures and videos using #BrowardHeartWalk.

With the COVID-19 pandemic keeping more families at home and highly stressed, the American Heart Association’s Broward Heart Walk is a fun and meaningful way to promote better health. As part of the AHA’s massive National Heart Walk initiative, with more than a million walkers in over 300 locations this year, it celebrates heart and stroke survivors; raises lifesaving funds toward research, advocacy and CPR training; and encourages physical activity. The funds raised from the Broward Heart Walk go toward research, advocacy, CPR training and promoting better health.

My personal “why” for getting involved is my Uncle Kevin, who lost his life to heart disease in his 50s, just as the company he founded with my dad Keith was ready for tremendous growth. That loss is with us every day, as it is for many families. It’s fitting that this year’s Broward Heart Walk is dedicated in memory of Rick Case, an amazing community leader and long-time champion for the cause of heart-healthy living. Rick and his wife Rita inspired our family and so many others to get deeply involved with AHA’s outreach and education.

Across Broward, companies are getting creative so the Broward Heart Walk can reach this year’s unprecedented goal. Our team invites families to help while relaxing with an in-store Test Rest for Heart Health program. Through March 31, every customer group that goes through CITY Furniture’s in-store mattress Test Rest process will receive a $25 Mastercard gift card, and we’ll donate $25 to the American Heart Association.

Getting ready to participate in the Broward Heart Walk is quick and easy. Just go to browardheartwalk.org and register. Set a goal for your personal fundraising page, and let your friends and family know they can pledge toward your efforts. Then head out and walk your own route on March 14.

I hope you’ll take this cause to heart — and keep in mind that the walk is just the beginning. Make heart-healthy living part of your life year-round. You’ll find plenty of info and opportunities to learn how at heart.org/en/affiliates/florida/south-florida.

Andrew Koenig is chairman of the 2021 Broward Heart Walk and president of Tamarac-based CITY Furniture, a national Top 25 furniture retailer. The company’s $350,000 commitment to the 2021 Broward Heart Walk and its ongoing support of the American Heart Association is one facet of CITY Furniture’s 5% Giving Pledge, through which the firm donates a minimum of 5% of net annual profits to community organizations.