CARSON, Calif. (Friday, March 6, 2015) – The LA Galaxy Foundation and the American Heart Association announced today a year-long partnership to fight heart disease in the Los Angeles community. LA Galaxy Foundation and the American Heart Association, the Galaxy’s community partner for tonight’s opening match against the Chicago Fire, will host the interactive charity fundraiser HeartChase this Saturday, March 7 at StubHub Center, joined by Galaxy defender A.J. DeLaGarza.
“We’re extremely proud and honored to help contribute to the life-saving work of the American Heart Association,” said LA Galaxy Chris Klein. “This is an organization whose cause is very near to our club and we look forward to the working alongside AHA this year to help fight heart disease in our communities.”
The LA Galaxy Foundation’s support will fund life-saving work and inspire the Los Angeles community to live with healthy hearts. Among the funded programs will be curriculum engaging young people in heart healthy physical activity, blood pressure screenings for women, and congenital heart defect support groups. Funding will support innovative scientific research, setting science-based best practices for treating heart disease and stroke and advocating for policies that positively impact cardiovascular health.
“We are thrilled to be working with the LA Galaxy Foundation and for the impact this collaboration will have on the heart health of our community”, said Tammy Rocker, American Heart Association SVP of Southern California. “80% of heart disease is preventable and strong, synergistic partnerships such as these are important as we work to empower Los Angeles to live healthier lives”.
American Heart Association will be the community partner at the LA Galaxy’s opening match vs. Chicago Fire. To kick off the partnership, the Star Squad will be wearing red heart hero capes in memory of Luca, the late son of DeLaGarza. Fans at the game will be encouraged to take a stand by giving heart disease the “red card” with heart healthy educational pieces being distributed.
On Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. PT, the LA Galaxy Foundation will host HeartChase at StubHub Center, with DeLaGarza and his wife scheduled to attend. The event will involve several teams throughout StubHub Center to compete in interactive games for the chance to be named as HeartChase champions. Teams will have to participate in various challenges around StubHub Center throughout the day, with the fastest being crowned champions. Several top earning teams will have the opportunity to meet DeLaGarza in a private meet and greet during the event.
ABOUT LA GALAXY FOUNDATION
The LA Galaxy Foundation, the non-profit arm of the LA Galaxy, is dedicated to assisting the community in which the team lives, works, and plays. LA Galaxy players, coaches, alumni and staff spend countless hours giving back to the community at local schools, hospitals, fields, and events. The Foundation continually strives to aid organizations that meet its mission of supporting and creating education, health, and soccer-related activities and programs for youth in the greater Los Angeles area. For more information, please visit www.lagalaxy.com/community/foundation.
ABOUT AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association today is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. By 2020, the American Heart Association strives to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20%, while reducing deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke by 20%. To learn more, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.
