United Federal Credit Union (United) has awarded Anaiah Martell with a $500 Youth Savings account as the winner of the ‘Art with Heart’ contest.
As part of United’s three-year partnership with the American Heart Association, the ‘Art with Heart’ contest was created to support February’s American Heart Month. The coloring contest invited children aged 5 to 12 to write about how they keep their heart happy and healthy and draw a picture illustrating it.
Martell’s drawing won the public vote, and she was announced as the winner at the Go Red for Women Luncheon held on February 28.
“Just like you would talk to your doctor about heart health, we encourage people to talk with us about financial health,” said Meredith Williams, United’s Market Vice President in Nevada. “We believe knowledge about finances can start at an early age. Financial education for young people is essential to removing stigmas and stress related to money. That’s why we were so excited to sponsor the Art with Heart campaign.”
“As a personal contributor and member of the Circle of Red, my why is my mother. She passed away from preventable heart disease when I was 25. It is crucial for us to educate at a young age, especially young women, and let them know it’s okay to put themselves first when it comes to healthy living and wellness,” said Williams.
In addition to the ‘Art with Heart’ contest, United hosted a Circle of Red Lunch and Learn featuring Dr. Lorrel Toft’s presentation on heart function and treatment of common heart issues, and once again sponsored the American Heart Association’s Northern Nevada Go Red for Women Luncheon. The Go Red for Women event focused on preventing heart disease and stroke by promoting healthy lifestyles, building awareness, and raising critically-needed funds to support research and education initiatives. This year’s event was attended by more than 600 people and helped raised over $300,000 for the American Heart Association.
“It is through companies like United Federal Credit Union that the American Heart Association is able to bring our mission to life in Northern Nevada,” said Jessica Stack, Business Development Director at the American Heart Association. “Heart health needs to start when we’re young and this contest is a fun way for kids to express what makes their heart happy and healthy.”
Cardiovascular diseases, which includes heart disease and stroke, claim the life of a woman about every 80 seconds, but 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases may be prevented.
“With more and more women in charge of the family budget or making decisions on major purchases, it’s important for women to hear the message about heart health and how stress plays a role,” said Williams. “The team at United Federal Credit Union works with our members to help take the stress out of dealing with finances, and helps develop solutions that can help them build a budget or save for their kids’ college tuition in the future.”
Anaiah Martell, “Art with Heart” winner of $500 United Youth Savings account, with United branch staff.