Arlington’s Michele Craven Recipient of Heart Walk’s Heart of Service Award
By Ryan Hunt
Posted on November 22, 2016, November 22, 2016

Heart of Service Award

Michele Craven, with the City of Arlington Housing Authority, was recognized at this year's Tarrant County Heart Walk Awards on Thursday, November 17, 2016.

Craven was presented with the first ever Heart of Service Award, a way for the American Heart Association to recognize someone who goes above and beyond to support Heart Walk and the AHA mission, through fundraising, participation and advocacy. She has personally raised almost $50,000 for the Heart Walk over the past seven years.

Michele's hard work, along with the entire Heart Walk Committee, contributed to this year's success, according to City Chairperson Kari Zika, Director of Human Resources.

"We had almost an entirely new team of Heart Walk Captains this year, and to have the end result be the highest amount raised in the country is an amazing feat," Zika said. "We owe this to all of the employees in the City that participated as well as our generous sponsors. Thank you!"

According to Kerrie Bryant, with the Tarrant County Heart Walk, the City of Arlington was the highest fundraising municipality in the country, raising close to $45,000.

The City of Arlington was also recognized as one of the top four returning organizations to participate in the Heart Walk. In fact, a number of City employees were recognized at the event as top walkers:

  • Kari Jo Zika, Human Resources (raised $10,000+)
  • Michele Craven, Housing Authority (raised $10,000+)
  • Melinda Richardson, Municipal Courts (raised $3,000+)
  • Chris Funches, Public Works and Transportation (raised $1,000+)
  • John Norman, Water Utilities, (his team raised $1,800+)
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