Columbia, South Carolina – For the second year in a row, the City of Columbia Parking Services has teamed up with the local chapter of the American Heart Association. This initiative represents a creative way to raise awareness of heart health. Through a one-of-a-kind effort that includes painting parking meters in downtown Columbia, this coalition wants to bring attention to how important heart health is.
A total of 15 parking meters to be decorated for a cause
Building on the success of its start last year, the 2024 Heart Health Awareness Initiative hopes to get people involved by giving sponsors the chance to decorate 15 parking meters.  These parking meters are located in Five Points, The Vista, and Main Street, which are all busy parts of downtown. Five different-looking meters will be put up in each area, adding color and heart health messages to Columbia’s streets.
A total of 15 sponsors who can join the initiative, and each one can buy a parking meter for $500. This contribution is entirely tax-deductible, as it goes directly to supporting the American Heart Association. It’s a win-win situation for sponsors because they not only help a good cause but also get attention from the local media thanks to the American Heart Association and the City of Columbia working together.
Sponsors are free to pick and decorate any meter in any of the three districts they want, but the City of Columbia does have some rules and guidelines to make sure the art is suitable and of good quality. When the campaign is over at the end of the month, each sponsor will be given the painted meter head as a way to show their support for heart health awareness.
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Anyone who wants to sponsor should act quickly, because spots are limited and will be given to the first people who apply. Friday, March 15, 2024, is the last day to send in an application. People who want to make a change in the community and spread the word about heart health should talk to George Floyd, Parking Services Business Liaison at (803)376-3788 (office) or (803)521-7758 (mobile) or via email: [email protected] to find out how they can get involved.
This campaign represents a heartfelt effort by the City of Columbia and the American Heart Association to bring the community together in the fight against heart disease. Through creativity, community involvement, and public education, they hope to inspire a healthier future for all Columbians.
