Findlay Automotive has ‘Heart’

A group of dedicated local business professionals, including Findlay Automotive Group Chief Financial Officer Tyler Corder, recently kicked off the Las Vegas Heart and Stroke Walk/Run scheduled for later this year with a pair of special events.

The group gathered at Soho Lofts in downtown Las Vegas to announce that the 2012 Heart and Stroke Walk/Run is scheduled from 8 a.m. until noon Oct. 13 in downtown Las Vegas.

Corder, the event's chairman, pledged $5,000 personally and $15,000 from Findlay Automotive Group to kick off the event. He set a fundraising goal of $300,000 for the 21st anniversary event.

"Findlay Automotive Group has joined with the American Heart Association to combat heart disease and stroke in our community," Corder said.

Corder, who was also chairman of the 2011 event, added, "We had a very successful 2011 event and really feel as though we can far exceed last year's results."

Also attending the Soho Lofts event were Dina Mitchell, area developer for Tropical Smoothie Cafe; Renee Siuta, national exhibitor sales and services coordinator for Freeman Convention Services; Jerry McKenna, senior vice president/marketing manager for CBS Radio; and Lacy Ekert, director of strategic sales and marketing for CBS Radio.

Through Mitchell's efforts, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is launching a campaign in the Las Vegas Valley to promote the Heart and Stroke Walk/Run.

"I think it's an awesome event," Mitchell said . "We're encouraging everyone to become involved in this important cause that has affected everyone one of us in one way or another."

Mitchell said she attended the Heart Ball gala fundraiser for the American Heart Association on May 19 at The Mirage.

"It was one of those events that you will never forget," she said. "There were many touching stories of people who have courageously fought back after experiencing setbacks from heart disease. Hearing these real life stories inspires you to give back to help others who have suffered in one way or another."

McKenna concurred, adding that the event helps many people and illustrates the generosity of those living in Southern Nevada.

"The American Heart Association is such a worthwhile cause," McKenna said. "The amount of people who die of heart disease is enormous. The Heart Ball at The Mirage was packed and a lot of people were spending a lot of money to help the cause. Las Vegas people really open their hearts to help others with heart problems and this was proof of it."

According to the association, 2,200 Americans die of cardiovascular diseases daily.

Siuta said the Freeman family fully supports the American Heart Association and the Heart Walk.

"Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in America," Siuta said. "My grandfather has suffered from several strokes, so that makes me want to be a part of this because the AHA gives back so much to the community in terms of research and education."

Fremont Street Experience President Jeff Victor was happy to learn that the Heart Walk would be on Fremont Street for the first time.

Findlay Automotive Group, one of Nevada's largest independently owned businesses, has participated in American Heart Association programs for several years. Several of Findlay's Southern Nevada dealerships participate throughout the year in association fundraisers and outreach programs. The Findlay dealerships raised about $40,000 in 2011 and look to exceed that amount in 2012. All money raised supports research grants and educational outreach.

Findlay Automotive Group was founded in 1961 by the late Pete Findlay whose son, Cliff Findlay, now spearheads automobile dealerships in Idaho, Utah, Nevada and Arizona.

For further information on the American Heart Association, visit www.heart.org. For information about Findlay Automotive Group and its 25 stores, visit www.findlayauto.com.