Samsung Brings Heart to the 2021 AHA Heart Walk

Samsung Austin Semiconductor has been a long-standing supporter of the American Heart Association's Austin Heart and Stroke Walk. The 2021 walk was held in October in a flexible format that enabled people to participate wherever they felt comfortable, be that downtown at the community event or in their own neighborhood. In an outstanding show of heart and commitment, Samsung employees, partners and vendors raised more than $112,000 for the American Heart Association. Funds raised exceeded the initial fundraising goal by 50% and all of the money raised goes directly to the organization in support of life-saving heart disease and stroke research, as well as community programs and advocacy efforts.

Those wanting to play a more active role in the Heart Walk were able to become coaches, helping to spearhead awareness initiatives and lead on-site fundraisers at Samsung Austin Semiconductor. Two of our favorite fundraisers this year were the ‘Pie in the Face’ and ‘Keep the Beat CPR Challenge’ fundraisers. Those participating in ‘Pie in the Face’ made a $5 donation for each pie they served up to a willing recipient. Alternately, the ‘Keep the Beat CPR Challenge’ helped shed light on heart health awareness and taught personnel how to do hands-only CPR. Considering that the average ambulance response time in Austin, Texas is 12 minutes, teams of two attempted to conduct hands-only CPR on CPR dummies for up to 15 minute increments. Each team recruited sponsors who donated a certain dollar amount for each minute of successfully completed hands-only CPR.

During the day of the Heart Walk, nearly 100 Samsung employees joined together with other companies and community members to walk one mile around the Long Center lawn in downtown Austin. Throughout the one-mile course were short challenges that promoted health and fitness for walkers. An additional 90 employees reported walking on their own in their local neighborhood. Our company was excited to come together to reinforce the benefits of a heart healthy lifestyle. Community events like this one provide an opportunity to help save lives, and we are so happy to play a role!