Posted on Apr 1, 2017 in
FEATURES
Houstonians are famous for their philanthropy. Non-profit events drive the social scene, and a different one happens almost every night in the Bayou City. As much as Houstonians give back, they also love to shop, so the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Shop With Heart Card event creates a unique opportunity for both to join forces for good.
A longtime supporter of the AHA, Rosemary Schatzman recognizes the benefits of the Shop With Heart Card event, a spring shopping and dining discount card fundraiser benefiting the AHA. “I love that with this card, every purchase I make can have a meaning. It’s during a seasonal time where I’m spending a lot – wedding, graduation and Mother’s Day gifts, you name it – and it means that much more that I get to support AHA’s mission. All it takes is a $50 donation, and in return, I get a card for amazing discounts to top retailers in the Houston area,” said Schatzman.
2017 Shop With Heart Card Heart Guild volunteers Robyn Barnes, Laura Davenport, Julie Haralson and Melissa McAnelly.
Katie Brass is one of many Houstonians looking forward to this premier spring shopping and dining event. The Shop With Heart Card works like most discount card fundraisers. Supporters purchase the Shop With Heart Card for a minimum donation of $50. Then, from Friday, April 28th through Sunday, May 7th, cardholders can use their card to save 20 percent off regularly priced merchandise at participating retailers and enjoy a complimentary appetizer or dessert with the purchase of an entrée at participating restaurants.
This year, hundreds of the finest retailers and restaurants from across Houston and surrounding areas have signed up to participate to support this great cause, including Orangetheory Fitness in Katy. A full listing of participating retailers and restaurants is available on the Shop With Heart Card website and in their annual Merchant Card Directory.
Brass noted that many people use the Shop With Heart Card as an opportunity to not only give back but to spread awareness of AHA and its mission among the community. “I am not always in town or have time to shop during the 10 day event, but I do not let that stop me from giving back. If I am unable to directly benefit from the perks, I will gift the card to a friend or family member. By doing so, I am able to continue to support AHA through my donation and generate greater awareness, often gaining a new supporter in the process.”
2017 Shop With Heart Card Heart Guild volunteers Lesha Elsenbrook, Karen Miller, Lu Caltagirone and Roz Pactor. Photos by Alexander’s Fine Portrait Design.
The Heart Guild of Houston, a fundraising branch of the AHA, coordinates the annual Shop With Heart Card event. Thanks to the generous support of volunteers, underwriters and sponsors, the Heart Guild is able to donate 100 percent of the proceeds from Shop With Heart Card sales directly to the AHA. The AHA is one of the most recognizable and trustworthy non-profit organizations in the United States with a full 80 cents of every donated dollar going to fulfill the organization’s mission of “building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke,” the nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers of both men and women. The AHA accomplishes this mission by funding research, education and community outreach across the nation and here in Houston.
“Heart disease and stroke have touched many of our lives,” said Shop With Heart Card Chair Julie Haralson. “This is an easy way to give back to our community and honor our loved ones while having a great time shopping, dining out and saving money. It’s mutually beneficial for everyone involved.”
The 2017 Shop With Heart Card is available for purchase online at ShopWithHeart.org now through April 13th and at participating retailers starting April 13th for a minimum donation of $50. Visit www.ShopWithHeart.org for more information.
