David Pankau announced as 2016 Midlands Heart Walk Chairman
August 9, 2015
COLUMBIA, SC – The American Heart Association is pleased to announce David Pankau, CEO of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, as the 2016 Midlands Heart Walk Chair. Pankau will lead the fundraising efforts for the Heart Walk in the Midlands to help achieve the American Heart Association’s 2020 impact goal: to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent, while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent.
As chairman, Pankau is tasked with managing a volunteer executive leadership team to recruit more than 5,000 walkers and raise more than $600,000 to support lifesaving heart disease and stroke research and educational programs.
“It is my honor to serve as chairman of the 2016 Midlands Heart Walk,” Pankau said in a statement. “Everyone has a friend, relative or coworker who has been affected by cardiovascular diseases in some way. Through this campaign, we will raise awareness, promote healthy lifestyles, and support those who have already been affected by heart disease. I look forward to doing my part in raising funds for the fight against heart disease and stroke.”
The Midlands Heart Walk is an opportunity for people to initiate changes in their health through walking, while raising funds to help prevent heart disease and stroke—America’s No. 1 and 5 killers. The annual event is a non-competitive, 3-mile walk in which teams are created by employees from local companies, along with friends and family members of all ages.
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is a long-time supporter of the American Heart Association in the Midlands and across South Carolina,” said Valerie Bridges, Executive Director of the Midlands AHA. “We are excited to have David Pankau take on this important role for the organization and look forward to the impact his leadership will have on our community’s health.
The 2016 Midlands Heart Walk will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at Colonial Life Arena. The 2015 event raised over $500,000 with help from more than 6,000 walkers and 80 companies.
Individuals and companies interested in sponsoring or attending can call 803-806.3092 or visit MidlandsHeartWalk.org. The 2016 Midlands Heart Walk is nationally sponsored by Subway and locally sponsored by BCBS of South Carolina and Providence Hospitals.
About the American Heart Association
Founded in 1924, we’re the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases — America’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers — we fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit www.heart.org. ~
