‘Have-a-Heart’ fundraiser set Saturday

Jeff Rich

With a continued goal of purchasing and placing automated external defibrillators (AED’s) in public buildings around Putnam County, and assisting residents who have experienced a heart event, Jeff Rich has created the “Have-a-Heart” fundraiser.

The fourth annual event is set for Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Community Building on the Putnam County Fairgrounds in Greencastle with a revised program. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the event beginning at 6.

“We’ve kind of changed it up a bit,” Rich said, noting that rather than it being an all-day craft fair, it will be a fun entertainment event that will include a talent contest with cash prizes.

Anyone interested in performing for the talent show can just show up Saturday and be part of it, Rich said.

He also plans some special entertainment.

The goal is for entire families to enjoy an evening of “fun, family and entertainment and make the entire family aware of the importance of heart health,” Rich said, adding that a number of children’s games are planned Saturday.

“When the community came together in my support,” Rich said, “I made it my mission to carry on the event to help in making ‘heart health’ household words.

Food will be available on a free-will donation basis, Rich said.

Rich stressed that Saturday’s occasion is an effort to raise funds to assist community residents in becoming more aware of heart health, and to aid those who have endured a heart event.

The Cloverdale auctioneer experienced just that in December 2014, suffering a serious heart attack that almost instantly made him much more “heart health” conscious.

That experience motivated Rich to adopt a series of goals for his “Have-a-Heart” event, including:

-- Educating the community on the importance of being heart healthy.

-- Assisting those in our community to be “heart healthy.”

-- Supporting those in our community who suffer a “heart event.”

Long-term goals include “being there for as many people in our communities, whether it be by educating them on being ‘heart healthy’ or assisting with needed medical costs when a heart event is experienced,” Rich said.

Anyone who would like to make a monetary donation to the program or donate a silent auction item can contact Rich at 812-828-1467.