The Green Bay Packers and American Family Insurance today announced eight recipients of funds raised in the Packers Heart Cap campaign, an effort that has sold approximately 87,000 red caps to date and raised $435,000.

Eight Wisconsin organizations will receive $54,375 each for their efforts involving heart disease research, prevention and support, along with additional money raised by the ongoing cap sales.

"We're very pleased today to announce the recipients of the proceeds from the red cap campaign," said Packers President/COO John Jones. "Heart disease touches so many people in our lives. These organizations are performing great work, whether it is in the research field, educating people on prevention measures or supporting those afflicted. We're proud to make these donations to further advance their efforts. We also thank all the Packers fans who supported the program and proudly wear their red caps."

"American Family Insurance is proud to take part in this very worthwhile campaign," said Harvey Pierce, American Family's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "More resources are needed to reduce the impact of heart disease. American Family's partnership with the Packers and the incredible support of the public have made these donations possible."

The groups that will receive donations from the campaign follow:

• American Family Children's Hospital - UW Pediatric Cardiology, Madison (research and support)

• American Heart Association, efforts in northern and western Wisconsin (prevention and support)

• Bellin Foundation, Bellin Hospital, Green Bay (research, prevention and support)

• Children's Hospital & Health System Foundation - Herma Heart Center, Milwaukee (research and support)

• Concerned Hearts Club of Northeastern Wisconsin, Green Bay (support)

• Inherited Arrhythmia Clinic, UW Cardiovascular Medicine, Madison (research, prevention and support)

• Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation, Madison (prevention)

• AED (automated external defibrillator) distribution to first responders throughout Wisconsin (support)

"For Bellin Health, teaming up with the Green Bay Packers and American Family Insurance is an honor," said George Kerwin, president and CEO of Bellin Heath. "Bellin Health is committed to engaging with people so they can achieve optimal health and live longer and better lives. This grant from the red cap program will assist with our heart disease prevention programs and patient outreach education efforts. Additionally, we will fund more advanced training for our cardiac care team to ensure they remain at the pinnacle of their profession."

"We are very grateful to be selected as a recipient of the proceeds to advance cardiovascular research and care," said Dr. Matt Wolff, Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine, UW School of Medicine. "The gift will be matched with an equal amount of internal research funds to support our Inherited Arrhythmia Clinic, a new clinic that sees entire families with genetic heart disease and sudden death. It is the only such service available in Wisconsin and performs extensive family screening and genetic testing in families stricken with sudden death."

{sportsad300}Heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women in America and a major cause of disability. In fact, heart diseases claim more lives each year than the next four leading causes of death combined, including cancer, respiratory diseases, diabetes and accidents. In Wisconsin, it accounts for 36.6 percent of all deaths. One in three women will get heart disease and one in four men will be afflicted.

Caps, priced at $15 with $5 going to charity, remain available online at www.packersproshop.com, as well as at the Packers Pro Shop and Packers Pro Shop Extra Points. Participating American Family Insurance agents also have caps available for purchase.

The Packers Heart Cap is the second program in a three-year partnership between the Packers and American Family Insurance.