Disney Cast Member's Steps Up for Greater Orlando Start! Heart Walk

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Oct. 6, 2009 – Nearly 300 Disney VoluntEARS slipped on sneakers Saturday morning to put their best foot forward in the Greater Orlando Start! Heart Walk at Loch Haven Park. Taking the three-mile walk in stride, Disney Cast Members raised more than $8,000 for research and education to help fight heart disease and stroke.

“When you combine a fitness activity with a great cause, everyone wins,” says Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises, who serves on the board of directors for the Central Florida chapter of American Heart Association and participated in the morning stroll.

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases and stroke are the nation's No.1and No.3 killers and claim about 870,000 lives a year. Furthermore, each year Americans suffer 1.2 million heart attacks.

Like many of the participants, Disney Entertainment Cast Member John Gardner has a personal connection to the cause and was walking “in memory” of a family member.

“My mom died of heart-related disease caused by stress, so I want to help raise money and awareness,” said Gardner.

As the signature fund-raising event for the American Heart Association since 1994, the Start! Heart Walk promotes physical activity and heart-healthy living in a fun, family-friendly environment. More than 10,000 walkers participated in the 2009 Greater Orlando Start! Heart Walk and raised funds to save lives from heart disease and stroke.