Holman Automotive Group and ARI recently donated $3,302 to the American Heart Association (AHA) raised as a result of a successful “Go Red For Women” campaign held at Holman’s seven southern New Jersey dealership locations, Steward Financial Services, and ARI.

Joining AHA’s effort to raise awareness about the issue of women and heart disease, both Holman Automotive’s headquarters in Maple Shade, New Jersey and BMW of Mount Laurel kicked off the fundraising campaign and celebrated the 10th annual “National Wear Red Day” by illuminating the outside of their buildings with red lights on February 1, 2013. From February 1 – February 14, donations of $5 were collected in exchange for the now familiar “Red Dress Pin” at all of Holman’s New Jersey dealerships, as well as at Steward Financial Services and ARI. Employees at ARI were also encouraged to join together in teams and take photos dressed in red on February 14, with the most creative photos winning prizes and the praise of their peers.

“The work that the AHA does to increase awareness around the issue of women and heart disease is absolutely critical, because it remains the number one killer of women,” said Melinda K. “Mindy” Holman, president and CEO of Holman Automotive. “I would like to thank all of our employees and customers who participated in this year’s ‘Go Red For Women’ campaign – because of their generosity, we are able to make a difference and support the important work of the AHA.”

The American Heart Association started the “Go Red For Women” campaign in 2004 in order to dispel the myth that heart disease was exclusively a disease that claimed the lives of men; to raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women; and to encourage and empower women to take charge of their heart health. The AHA uses all of the revenues from local and national “Go Red For Women” activities to support awareness, research, education and community programs to benefit women.