Press Release

Date:  11/17/2008

Orlando Of Counsel, Wayne Rich and wife named as Co-Chairs of the 2009 American Heart Association Orlando Heart Ball

Civic Leader and Local Attorney Wayne Rich to Share Experience as Heart Attack Survivor

(Orlando, Fla.) – Orlando residents Wayne and Gwen Rich are honored to announce their commitment to serve as co-chairs of the American Heart Association’s “A Night in New York” 2009 Heart Ball on February 7th at the Marriott World Center.

While the Rich’s have a long-standing relationship with the organization, and previously chaired the event in 2005, Wayne’s recent heart attack in September fueled their determination and dedication to once again support the Ball.

“This is an opportunity for us to share our experience with the community,” said Wayne, of Counsel in the prominent law firm Broad and Cassel. “We want to help the AHA educate the Orlando community so that everyone understands simple preventative measures as well as lifesaving procedures, without which I might not be here today.”

Ironically, after participating in the 5K walk in support of the AHA at the Greater Orlando Start! Heart Walk on September 20, Wayne experienced chest pain and suffered a heart attack. Wayne’s instincts and Gwen’s quick actions saved his life.

Doctors credit the Rich’s for their ability to identify the symptoms and react quickly and effectively , noting that approximately 50 percent of patients wait too long and are unable to get immediate care that can prevent long-term injury. While Wayne had no major risk factors or family history of heart disease and was in excellent physical health, the Rich’s involvement with the AHA provided them with the necessary knowledge about heart disease, which in the end, saved Wayne’s life.

The Heart Ball raises money for research and education about heart disease and stroke, the nation’s number one and three killers. As one of Central Florida’s largest fundraisers, Wayne and Gwen hope to make 2009 an exceptional year for the Heart Ball, so they’re bringing some big city action to Orlando with this year’s theme, “A Night in New York.”

The 2009 Orlando Heart Ball will take place at the Marriott World Center on Saturday, February 7th, 2009 from 7pm-11pm. Please call 407-843-1330 for sponsorship, ticket and additional information.

American Heart Association
Since 1924 the American Heart Association has helped protect people of all ages and ethnicities from the ravages of heart disease and stroke. These diseases, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers, claim more than 930,000 American lives a year. The association invested more than $407 million in fiscal year 2002–03 for research, professional and public education, advocacy and community service programs so people across America can live stronger, longer lives.

Broad and Cassel
Broad and Cassel established its Orlando office in 1975, and it has become the largest office in the firm. The firm’s Orlando attorneys focus their practices primarily in the following areas of law: Affordable Housing and Tax Credit, Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights, Commercial Litigation, Corporate and Securities, Eminent Domain, Estate Planning, Government Relations, Intellectual Property, Labor and Employment Law, Land Use and Environmental Law, Real Estate and Public Finance and Capital Projects. Broad and Cassel, founded on January 1, 1946, has more than 175 lawyers and 250 support personnel located in eight offices throughout the State of Florida. The firm has extensive experience in a wide variety of corporate practice areas and industries. For more information, please visit us online at www.broadandcassel.com.

##

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Nancy Gay, AHA: 407-843-1330
Jessi Blakley, Consensus: 407-432-3673