Supervalu exec honored for raising heart disease awareness

MINNEAPOLIS Supervalu EVP and CFO Pamela Knous on Monday received the Award of Meritorious Achievement from the American Heart Association, the grocer announced.

The award, presented during the Association’s Lobby Day activities in Washington, recognizes Knous for her successful fundraising efforts in support of Go Red For Women, AHA’s program aimed at educating women about the risk factors for heart disease and urging them to take action to reduce their personal risk.

Knous served as the campaign chair for the 2008 Twin Cities Go Red For Women campaign. In this role, she led the charge to raise funds throughout the community to support local cardiovascular research and educational programs designed to drive home the message that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of American women and to inspire women to commit to a heart-healthy lifestyle. Under her leadership, a record $1.3 million was raised by the Twin Cities campaign alone, a sum that included Supervalu’s contribution of $50,000.

“As I accept this award, I accept on behalf of everyone who helped us achieve these record campaigns,” Knous said. “But I also accept it on behalf of every single person anywhere who has made a financial commitment to the American Heart Association – through personal donations, participation in AHA and Go Red Fundraising events, or prompted their own companies to get involved in the fight.”

As a result of Knous’ involvement and leadership, and because health and nutrition is one of Supervalu’s designated areas of focus for its charitable giving and volunteer activities, Supervalu has signed on as a national supporter of Go Red For Women through 2011.

“I want to thank the American Heart Association for the opportunity to be an advocate for Go Red For Women and for cardiovascular health,” Knous said. “I am enthusiastic about this cause – I believe that Go Red For Women has the power to capture the energy and passion of women. We as women can grab onto the Go Red For Women initiative and educate the people we love. Together, we can make a difference in women’s heart health for ourselves and for future generations.”