AHA Volunteering Runs in the Family

Like father, like daughter. This fall, sophomore business major Kate Flournoy enrolled in Business 205 at Texas A&M, a class that requires students to participate in a semester-long group project with a nonprofit organization. Little did she know it would lead to her following in her father’s footsteps.

Kate’s group of seven students met to pick their nonprofit, but it only took them a few minutes to decide to work with the American Heart Association. Five of the seven students had family members who had suffered from heart disease and stroke, so it was a cause that was near and dear to the entire group’s heart. Kate, who had been volunteering for the American Heart Association since she was in high school, was excited to continue her service.

“My dad was very involved with the AHA, including serving on the Texas board, so I grew up around the organization. In fact, he suggested that we support the AHA for the project,” said Kate. Very involved might be a slight understatement — Kate’s father, Charles Flournoy, is a Houston board member, past chair of the Texas Affiliate Board and current chair of the AHA National Insurance Subcommittee.

The group, which was required to raise $1,000 during the semester or contribute the equivalent in volunteer service, worked on several projects throughout the semester, including supporting the AHA at the Macy’s in-store “Shop for the Cause” promotion. The day the students hosted the table, they outsold all the other nonprofits. In October, the students helped AHA Corporate Market Director Melissa Liddicoat set up and run the 2009 Start! Brazos County Heart Walk. From mapping out the course to setting up the music and entertainment to cheering on walkers and handing out water bottles, the group was involved in every facet of the event.

“Kate is absolutely awesome — she said she remembered growing up how important the AHA was to her father, so she decided to be a group leader and chose the American Heart Association,” Melissa said. “She continuously shared her excitement to work with me and the AHA and was a great leader for her group. I am lucky to have her and her team!”

Kate and her team may continue volunteering with the Brazos County area AHA office. This spring, Barbara Bush has committed to speaking at the Bryan/College Station Go Red For Women® Luncheon, and Kate is excited about the opportunity to meet the former First Lady.