Corporate and business sponsorships are vital to the success of the Pike County Heart Walk’s annual fundraising campaign for the American Cancer Society.

Tracey Davis, Pike County Heart Walk board member, said the combination of sponsorships and Heart Walk teams has long been the winning duo for the Pike County Heart Walk.

“Together, we are able to raise funds for the America Cancer Society’s continued research into the causes of and treatments for heart disease and stroke, which are the number on killer of Americans,” Davis said. “Sponsorships are available for as little as $100 and that makes it affordable for most all businesses to be a part of the fight against heart disease.”

Sponsorships begin at the bronze level ($100) and move up the scale to Silver ($250-plus), Gold ($500-plus) and Platinum ($1,000-plus).

“All sponsors will be recognized on a large banner at the Heart Walk on Feb. 17, at Cattleman Park, on Troy Cable’s Bulletin Board, in the Heart Walk program and in The Messenger,” Davis said.

Equally important in the fight against heart disease are the fundraising efforts of the Heart Walk teams.

“We have teams that have been on board for several years and then we have new teams that have been or are being formed,” Davis said. “We encourage all of those who want to join the fight against heart disease and stroke to join a team or organize a team.

“Neighborhood teams have become popular in recent years and the members enjoy the competition among friends. Schools, churches, clubs, organizations and individuals teams have always been apart of our fundraising efforts and we appreciate each person who participates and each one who gives.”

The Pike County Heart Walk board has not set a fundraising goal for 2011.

“In the recent past, we have raised between $25,000 and $30,000. But our goal is not set at a certain amount,” Davis said. “We just want to raise as much money as we can for this very important cause.”