Something that is so important to all non-profit organizations are their volunteers. One thing I have learned with the AHA/ASA is that volunteers come in many forms but we need them to save lives. The American Heart Association saves lives everyday and often you don't see that. Why? The AHA is MISSION driven. What this means is that the money that is raised through its various initiatives goes back into to mission and not as much into the marketing. When I had my heart attack and had a stent placed due to a 70% blockage in my main artery, they were in the room. Its the research dollars and funding that supplies the hospitals with the vital tools they need to save lives.
This brings me back to volunteers. One arm of the volunteer army comes from leadership in various organizations. Its about spreading the message and encouraging involvement. The CEO breakfast was a great way to do that. The CEO and senior leadership from around the Greater Washington Region were invited to a morning of networking, a very heart healthy breakfast and some very inspiring stories.
As I looked around it was great to see a community come together to help save lives. The speakers were so inspiring and their stories really hit home. The special mission moment speaker was Kevin J Payne, President and CEO, DC United. His story reminded me of so many that I had heard as far as not acting on what I call "God's warning signs". I cannot possibly do the story justice but I will say this, his wife is his guardian angel and to the surgeon who just thought your should pain was joint related and gave you surgery...well that is why they call it practicing medicine, right? So frustrating but I am glad you continued to advocate.
The keynote speaker was Kenneth M Duberstein, Chairman and CEO, Duberstein Group, Inc and formally a chief of staff for President Ronald Reagan as well as deputy chief of staff to the President for legislative affairs. His stories were amazing and also spoke on what they used to give those who left the White House. The used to give cigarettes with the Presidential seal. They changed that to M&M's. Everything in moderation and certainly 1000% better than smoking!
It was indeed a great morning for a great cause that saved lives.
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