Sakata goes red in support of the American Heart Association

Sakata Seed America announces its support of the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Go Red For Women movement. As part of this support, Sakata attended the Northern Central Coast’s Annual Go Red For Women luncheon in May, where AHA sought to bring awareness about heart disease, in addition to raising funds for research, community and educational programs that benefit women.

Sakata Seed America is located in Morgan Hill, California. The company has deep experience in commercial and home-grown vegetable breeding and production, and in bedding and potted flowering ornamentals. Alecia Troy, senior marketing manager, who attended the event, notes “As we celebrate Sakata’s 100th anniversary, it is no coincidence that we are supporting AHA Go Red For Women. This is just the kind of initiative Sakata is proud to be a part of as we celebrate our long history of service in the community, commitment to staff, and development of sustainable, reliable, and heart-healthy products.”

The Go Red For Women Luncheon and Expo hosted over 200 attendees from the Northern Central Coast region where participants enjoyed heart-healthy educational booths, a vogue fashion show, tastings, boutique shopping, and a silent auction. Over $60,000 was raised from individual attendees and corporate sponsors.

An invitation from Gina Nucci at Mann Packing Company, a long-time supporter of the AHA, prompted Sakata’s participation at the luncheon, but the American Heart Association’s mission to build healthier lives was what really motivated Sakata’s presence.

Sakata Seed America was a Table of Hearts Sponsor which meant ten women from across the company could attend the luncheon. From those who attended the event, Jamie Kitz, key accounts sales manager for Sakata Ornamentals, states, “It’s eye-opening to learn that heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States, but so many of those deaths can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle. It’s so important to spread that message and, as a member of the Hort industry, I take great pleasure in touting the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle that includes gardening and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.”

The American Heart Association’s efforts in educating Americans and advocating better health can reach out to those at risk and Sakata is proud to support and help protect the community from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.