Share: 

Karen Gritton of Lincoln wins American Heart Association award

February 3, 2017

Karen Gritton, development director of two southern Delaware fundraising events, the Heart Ball and Go Red for Women, was recently recognized with the Rome Betts Award of Excellence, among the most prestigious of the American Heart Association's national staff awards.

The award is named in honor of Rome Betts, the first national executive director of the American Heart Association. Betts led expansion in lifesaving education, service and research. He cemented the heart association's reputation as the leading voluntary health organization dedicated to cardiovascular health. Each year, individuals are nominated for demonstrating outstanding leadership, professionalism and dedication in advancing the association's mission. This recognition is for accomplishments achieved in 2016, but also reflects a long, sustained effort and commitment to the American Heart Association.

Gritton is recognized for achieving outstanding results through strong volunteer engagement, relationships with key partners, and serving as a highly credible and consistent community leader. A native Delawarean, Gritton has worked for the American Heart Association for eight years. Her passion embraced strategies that focused on the Southern Delaware Heart Ball and Go Red fundamentals: the vendor campaigns, team recruitment and personal giving. She not only grew the Heart Ball's revenue to a $180,000 milestone, she also established a foundation for continued success.

"Behind every relationship is an inspired personal connection, and Karen Gritton established hers by speaking and connecting directly with our volunteers," said John Pierson, executive director of the American Heart Association in Delaware.

Gritton's dedication fuels the fundraising momentum, and has resulted in new levels of enthusiasm and engagement for the American Heart Association in Delaware. She lives in Lincoln with her husband Chuck.

For more information, call 877-750-4276 or go to www.heart.org.

Subscribe to the CapeGazette.com Daily Newsletter