During the month of February, Washington Savings Bank held its annual “Give a Heart” fundraiser to raise Heart Health Awareness. Paper hearts were sold to customers at the bank for $1 apiece for this fundraiser. After selling 539 paper hearts Washington Savings Bank rounded up the amount this year to raise a total of $1,108.

Thank you to all who contributed to this campaign! Money raised from “Give a Heart” was donated to The Andrew Gobczynski Big Heart Foundation and the Sarah Bush Lincoln Heart Center.

The Andrew Gobczynski Big Heart Foundation implemented a heart testing program for all sophomore student-athletes at Teutopolis, Effingham, and St. Anthony schools. This potentially life-saving testing will search for heart anomalies that are not detected through regular physicals. Funds raised will go towards the testing of student-athletes.

Left to right pictured above: Ryan Fearday, Stephanie Uebinger, Greg Uebinger, Rebecca Gobczynski, Leon Gobczynski, Elaine Buehnerkemper, Rhegan Riley, Ashley Ludwig, and Trina Niemerg.

The Sarah Bush Lincoln Heart Center provides a wide range of cardiovascular services. The money raised will be used to help those who struggle to pay for costs associated with treatments.

Left to right: Kim Lockart, SBL Special Events Officer, pictured with staff members, Cheyanne Ward, Shelby Reed, Brandy Gass, Stacey McMillan, Emily Strader, and Rachel Kercheval at the Mattoon branch on Broadway Ave. East.