Union Bank earns title of 2012 Top Heart Walk Fundraising Team

The American Heart Association is pleased to announce that Union Bank, N.A., has earned the title of the 2012 Top Heart Walk Fundraising Team in the country for their fundraising efforts last calendar year.

Union Bank is a regional My Heart. My Life . platform sponsor, and has taken a leading role in fundraising across a number of markets in the American Heart Association Western States Affiliate.  These efforts led to their securing the top spot.  

"Union Bank is a role model for companies across the country. They have such a strong community-based approach, and it really shows in their health initiatives," said Roman Bowser , Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Heart Association Western States Affiliate. "They are raising money to fund research that is helping reduce death and disability from heart disease and stroke, and providing their employees and customers with heart healthy messaging and opportunities to benefit from the work they are helping fund."

Collectively, Union Bank raised nearly $538,000 to support the mission of the American Heart Association through their participation in the 2012 Heart Walk, and the number of Team UB walkers also grew substantially in 2012 to nearly 4,500 with participation in 216 walks throughout the bank's footprint.  Over the past five years, Union Bank has contributed $2.5 million to help advance the lifesaving work of the association and was also the top Heart Walk Fundraising Team in the country in 2010. 

"We are very proud of this distinction as the No. 1 Heart Walk team in the nation," said Union Bank Senior Executive Vice President Pierre Habis , head of Community Banking. "Congratulations to our employees, their families and friends, and our valued customers whose commitment helped us reach this goal – their combined efforts help illustrate our passion for not only giving back, but for educating our employees and communities to live healthier lives."

In celebration of this success, the American Heart Association and Union Bank invite the public to join them for National Walking Day on April 3, 2013.  On this day, all Americans are encouraged to put on their sneakers and take steps toward a healthier lifestyle by walking during the lunch hour. At celebrations in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and Seattle, the American Heart Association and Union Bank will hold a special event with a one-mile group walk and other fun and healthy festivities.