The Pike County Heart Board kicked off its fundraising efforts with a drawing Tuesday for two season tickets for the Troy University football games. Kim Richburg is the winner of the tickets.

Board members spent about two weeks selling tickets at $1 each and sold 175 tickets.

“We are trying to raise funds to promote research, development and education with the American Heart Association,” said Annette Toney, co-chair of this year’s walk, which will be held Feb. 18, 2016. “We just like to get started months in advance to try to get our funds raised. We never set a goal because of the hardship that some people may encounter. We just like for people to give to say they are supporting awareness of heart disease and stroke.”

Toney said that Troy University has always been supportive of the AHA with silent auctions.

“We make sure that on the night of the Heart Walk, we have football players, professors and students because we have that partnership with them

The ticket drawing is only the beginning. In the next few weeks, representatives from the Pike County Heart Board will go into the community seeking sponsorships and team building. They will also hold educational activities and distribute educational pamphlets across the county.

“We like to have teams that will come in and raise money,” Toney said. “We want to get the community more involved, so we are working with them to raise money.”

Sponsorships are available in bronze, silver and gold levels.

“Sponsors can donate money or in kind services,” Toney said. “We recognize them at the Heart Walk and through the newspaper so the community can support them because they are willing to donate to the American Heart Association.”

The board also plans to coordinate with local restaurants to raise money, as well. Board members are willing to work in the restaurant for the day or the restaurant can donate 10 percent of the proceeds for a day. Toney said restaurants are always very supportive of the heart board.

“If anyone is interested in having us set up a table at an event, they can contact me,” Toney said.

To make a donation, to partner with the Pike County Heart Board for an event, call Toney at the Pike County Courthouse at 566-7270.