May 22, 2014

Sakata Lends Support to American Heart AssociationSource: Sakata Seed America

Sakata Seed America Inc. continues its support of the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Go Red For Women movement. As part of its local sponsorship, Sakata attended the Central Coast’s Annual Go Red For Women luncheon on May 9, 2014, where the AHA sought to bring awareness about heart disease and stroke, in addition to raising funds for research, community and educational programs that benefit women.

Many produce industry members also attended the event, including Mann Packing, Taylor Farms and Driscoll’s, along with other central coast sponsors and residents. Even with such a broad range in the types of people and companies that attended (from medical organizations to members of the agricultural and horticultural industries), support for the AHA’s mission to build healthier lives radiated from each individual.

“As we continue our involvement with the AHA, our enthusiasm to support this wonderful organization grows!” said Alecia Troy, senior marketing manager of Sakata, who attended the event. “We share the mission of building healthier lives within our company and our community — locally, nationally and throughout the industry.”

The Go Red For Women Luncheon and Expo hosted about 180 attendees from the Northern Central Coast region where participants enjoyed heart-healthy educational booths, tastings and complimentary cholesterol screenings. About $57,000 was raised from individual attendees and corporate sponsors.

“We are thrilled that so many Central Coast women showed their support, wore their red and took a stand against heart disease and stroke by attending this year’s Go Red For Women Luncheon,” said AHA Northern Central Coast Regional Director Helen De Young. “Thanks to our dedicated volunteers and sponsors like Sakata, we continue to make significant strides towards advancing the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s life-saving mission.”

Sakata Seed America’s sponsorship of the Go Red For Women Luncheon meant that 20 women from across the company, from both the Ornamentals and Vegetables divisions, could attend the event. Sakata also plans to participate in the Central Coast Heart Walk in September and the AHA’s National Healthy Eating Day on Nov. 5, 2014, where Americans are encouraged to make healthy changes and help raise awareness of the importance of good nutrition.

The American Heart Association’s efforts in educating Americans and advocating better health can reach out to those at risk and Sakata is committed to supporting and helping to protect the nation from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.