For the third year in a row the American Heart Association has partnered with Ashley HomeStore to spread awareness about heart disease. The custom made red sofa has traveled throughout the Tampa Bay area. This year’s campaign’s focus was pledging to live life with heart. People from all over Tampa had the opportunity to sit on the sofa and make their pledge to live a healthy and happy life. The sofa began its tour on Tampa Bay’s Daytime television show. It was the start of an incredible journey filled with great people and many inspirational stories from heart survivors themselves along the way. Here’s a glimpse of this year’s Sofa Tour journey.
First Stop: Daytime TV Show
Daytime TV Show host, Cyndi Edwards interviewed heart survivor, Madeline Jones. Heart Ball chairperson, Allen Brinkman and guest host Stacy Schaible also showed their support for the cause. The Ashley team had a blast backstage and on set.
The Morning Blend
The Red Sofa Tour also made its debut on The Morning Blend TV show. Here, the Ashley team along with the American Heart Association got a behind-the-scenes peek at heart survivor, Brittany Williams during an interview on set. What a great experience it was and what a trooper Brittany is!
Clearwater Threshers Baseball Game
The Red Sofa made an unforgettable homerun at the Clearwater Threshers’ game. We even got to meet this 12-year-old heart survivor! Way to go!
Working Women Conference
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women and 90% of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease and stroke. The women at the working women conference were delighted to share their stories. We hope that these women inspire others to take the steps to prevent heart disease and stroke.
Flavor Run
The flavor run was one delectable and flavorful course, literally. Many supporters came out for the run in which fruit flavored powder was thrown at them along the route. Don’t worry, it tasted delicious! If you couldn’t tell, this year’s winning flavor was banana! This was truly a colorful, memorable and tasty stop on the Red Sofa Tour.
Tampa General Hospital Health and Wellness Center
These ladies from Tampa General Hospital’s Health and Wellness center jumped for joy at the sight of our inviting red sofa. They posted on social media and created a huge conversation about the issue of heart disease and stroke. Way to go ladies!
The Sundial
The Sundial in St. Pete, FL was a win for spreading awareness about heart disease and stroke. Men and women from all around Tampa Bay showed their winning poses on our red Sofa. This was a tranquil experience.
The Red Sofa Tour was a sensation! With over 10 stops around Tampa Bay the Red Sofa Tour had massive success! We spoke to local celebrities and newscasters and met remarkable and fearless heart survivors. We hope to continue raising awareness about heart health and stroke. We greatly appreciate the American Heart Association for providing medical support for those in need and for always living life with heart.
