On September 13th, the Cleveland Congenital Heart Walk Presented by Cleveland Clinic Children's made history, raising an astounding $264,805 (and counting!). This total marks the highest fundraising achievement ever in our Congenital Heart Walk series! 

The Cleveland walk is our highest-grossing walk to date, raising $264,805—passing an original goal of $200,000 that was set at the beginning of the season and surpassed a week before Walk Day. The goal was raised to $225,000, and once again the Cleveland community showed up in a big way to crush its secondary goal. 

Here’s a quick look at the Cleveland Congenital Heart Walk Presented by Cleveland Clinic Children's by the numbers: 

• 7 Incredible committee members who lead the way with planning and recruitment efforts: Bethany Force, Walk chair, and committee members  Jennifer Adamczyk, Mindy Rivas, Charmaine Adamczyk, Elizabeth Onyekwere, Mireille Hamway, and Erica Webb
• 20 day-of volunteers
• 15 sponsors 
• 14 in-kind supporters
• 42 auction packages
• 3 exceptional hospital partners

Our hospital partners—Cleveland Clinic Children’s, Akron Children's Hospital, and UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s—not only sponsored the walk, but also brought out huge groups of walkers, fundraised as teams, and even hosted pre-walk fundraising events. Their commitment is such a powerful example of Cleveland’s heart for this cause.

“The Cleveland Congenital Heart Walk is truly powered by the commitment of this community,” shares Leannie McAllister, CHF development manager. “From our committee and volunteers to our generous sponsors and hospital partners, it is inspiring to see everyone come together with such dedication to fund the most promising CHD research. We couldn’t be more grateful.”