LP Magazine is recognizing the unsung heroes of the loss prevention and asset protection industry. In this ongoing column, we highlight those who are going above and beyond to help their community and world around them to be a better place. Whether it be an individual or a team, donating time, money, or bringing joy to others—we want to say, “thank you” and let our readers get to know you better. To nominate an individual or an entire LP team, fill out the form at losspreventionmedia.com/something-good.
Having a good heart is a quality that is deeply admired by just about everyone. Those selfless individuals who show kindness, compassion, and empathy toward others make the world a better place, seizing opportunities to make a positive impact and often inspiring others to be more caring, considerate, and generous. They are always the first to lend a hand to those in need. They listen, practice forgiveness, and show respect toward the people around them. They strive to be better, but also feel genuine joy in the happiness of others.
Of course, having a good heart is incredibly important in other ways as well. Beating about 2.5 billion times over the average lifetime and pushing millions of gallons of blood to every part of the body, a strong and healthy heart ensures efficient circulation, providing the body with the energy it needs to perform daily activities while delivering oxygen and nutrients and removing the waste products of metabolism. Without a healthy heart, your body cannot function properly.
The Dilemma
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. The term “heart disease” refers to a combination of several types of heart conditions, the most common being coronary artery disease, which affects the blood flow to the heart and can cause a heart attack.
“As the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, for more than 100 years the American Heart Association (AHA) has been striving to save and improve lives,” reveals Brianna Demotto, development director with the AHA in Madison, Wisconsin. “Funding and volunteer efforts are deeply critical to achieving these goals, supporting awareness, research and development, and other essential initiatives.”
Annual Golf Outing and Heart Walk
That’s what makes the contributions of the team at Blain’s Farm & Fleet so important. Working closely with the AHA, they host an annual golf event, the Bert Blain Shootout, to raise funds and awareness to bolster longer and healthier lives. Through fundraising, raffles, auctions, and other charitable donations, the event has become a cornerstone of support for the AHA in the community. Along with the annual Bert Blain Memorial Heart Walk, they have raised more than $6.8 million over the past 30-plus years to support lifesaving research, advocacy for healthier communities, and improved patient care while providing equitable health opportunities for everyone.
“For many years, Dan Boutelle has been the driving force behind the Bert Blain Shootout Golf Outing,” says Demotto. “This iconic event has become a cornerstone of support for the AHA in the Madison and Milwaukee markets. Through this tireless commitment and leadership, the event has become a powerful force in advancing the mission of the AHA, providing vital support and hope to families impacted by heart disease and stroke across the community.”
“It’s an honor to be a part of this lifesaving mission,” says Dan Boutelle, physical security/LP technology manager at Blain’s Farm & Fleet. “Advocating for healthier communities, lifesaving research, and improved care is something we can all get behind. Nothing unites us like doing good together.”
Additional Steps
But the impact doesn’t stop there. Blain’s has also installed automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in every store, distribution center, and the corporate office—a lifesaving initiative that is already paying dividends. “We encourage all our store managers to be CPR certified and AED trained,” Boutelle continues. “This has directly resulted in eight lives being saved in our stores since the program started.”
A good heart is a tremendous benefit. Demonstrating the spirit of service and dedication, Dan and his colleagues at Blain’s Farm & Fleet are seamlessly blending professional expertise with a personal mission to create a healthier and safer world. These remarkable efforts demonstrate how such dedication can create a lasting ripple effect that benefits an organization, a community, and beyond.