For twenty years, the Community West Foundation and Cleveland Clinic have teamed up to present Straight from the Heart, a fundraising raffle that boasts 40 amazing prizes including vacations, motorcycles, jet-skis and a grand prize of $100,000 cash. At first glance, Straight from the Heart looks like the perfect opportunity to win a diamond necklace or enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Hawaii. However, behind the allure of these prizes lies a special purpose: raffle proceeds are dedicated to supporting cardiovascular services and heart healthy initiatives for Cleveland Clinic’s Avon, Fairview and Lutheran Hospitals and surrounding communities.
Recently, Chris Garr, Chief Executive Officer of Youth Challenge, reached out and explained his AED was due for a replacement. Youth Challenge provides adaptive sports, rec, and arts in Greater Cleveland hosting about 150 programs a year at their Westlake facility and another 150 programs throughout local parks and gyms, working with over 100 children with disabilities.
Without hesitation, Straight from the Heart purchased three new Philips Heartstart FRx AEDs to equip the Youth Challenge facility, the transportation vehicles and offsite activities. “We hope to never have to use these AED’s, but in the unfortunate event of an emergency, there is peace of mind knowing we have the necessary equipment to jump into action,” said Chris.
The 2024 Straight from the Heart raffle may have wrapped up in late February, but the proceeds will continue to have a long-lasting impact on cardiovascular services and heart healthy initiatives in our communities.