Thomas Bean, Megan Filoon, and Bill Perry to Chair Event, Boost CPR Education and Fund Heart and Brain Health
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (August 19, 2024) – Only 1 in 10 people survive cardiac arrest outside of the hospital in the U.S. Immediate CPR can double, and in some cases, triple their chances of survival, and that’s why three local executives have teamed up to chair the American Heart Association’s 2024 Palm Beach County Heart Walk, aiming to increase CPR education and raise funds for heart and brain health.
Thomas Bean of NextEra Energy, a sister company of Florida Power & Light Company, TBC Corporation’s Megan Filoon and Gunster’s Bill Perry are the Palm Beach County Heart Walk’s first-ever three-chairperson team to lead the campaign.
The event, set for Nov. 9 at the Meyer Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, will bring families, friends and colleagues together to participate in heart-healthy activities and enjoy a 3.1-mile walk along the water. This year’s campaign is particularly special because it’s taking place during the American Heart Association’s centennial year.
“Having any organization reach a centennial milestone is an incredible accomplishment. I’m proud to be a part of the American Heart Association’s efforts to change lives,” says Bean. “The Heart Walk is a powerful event through which people raise funds for heart and stroke research and initiatives, learn the signs of a heart attack or stroke, learn CPR and understand the simple changes we can all make to lead healthier lives. This information saves lives.”
Each of the three Heart Walk chairpersons will rally area executives to raise funds for the American Heart Association’s lifesaving research, and they’ll lead action-oriented conversations about improving health community-wide, starting within their companies.
“When workplaces support employees in meeting their health goals, it can significantly contribute to building a healthier community,” says Filoon. “We’re proud to be a part of the Heart Walk campaign again this year, and look forward to walking alongside colleagues, friends, family members and neighbors to build awareness and raise funds for such an important cause.”
Florida Power & Light Company, TBC Corporation and Gunster have each set fundraising goals for their companies and are working to beat last year’s Heart Walk record of $1.3 million raised.
“I was the Heart Walk chairperson in 2017, and it’s an honor to be a chairperson again during the American Heart Association’s centennial,” says Perry. It’s so important to encourage our employees and our broader community to be heart healthy, and I have no doubt we can rally this community together and have the most successful Palm Beach County Heart Walk of all time,” he says.
The Palm Beach County Heart Walk provides resources, tools and activities to support both mental and physical well-being for companies and the community at large.
For more information, contact Jessie.Brooks@Heart.org or visit PalmBeachHeartWalk.org.
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our Centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram and X.
