The American Heart Association (AHA) invites community members to join the annual Heart Walk against stroke and heart disease at two local events. The Dutchess Heart Walk will be held on Saturday, March 15 at Vassar College, and the Ulster event is set for Saturday, March 29 at Dietz Stadium in Kingston, NY.

Kim Miller, owner of the Surviving Sisters’ Boutique in Hyde Park, welcomes any Natural Awakenings readers who wish to support her company’s team in the Dutchess Heart Walk, which begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. The Surviving Sisters’ Team participates annually in the walk and other fundraising events to raise money for the AHA. “We also work with more than 40 other non-for-profits, charities, churches and schools and finance our own fundraising events throughout the year,” says Miller.

Those who cannot attend the walk can make a tax-deductible contribution to the AHA in support of the Surviving Sisters’ Team by dropping off a check made out to the AHA at the boutique or mailing it to: Surviving Sisters’ Boutique, 4412 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park, NY, 12538. Those with questions can contact Miller at 845.229.0425.

Surviving Sisters’ Boutique currently houses more than 300 local artists, vendors and consignees. The store carries both new and vintage clothing, collectibles, gifts, local artisans’ artwork, antiques, gowns, handcrafted items and fine, designer and vintage jewelry. “We have two floors of shopping bliss for any shopaholic,” says Miller. “This shop is my place in the world where I can help raise awareness for women, and men, about heart disease and the effects of stress.”

Companies interested in supporting the Heart Walk with sponsorship or teams should call the American Heart Association at 845.905.2120 or sign up online at DutchessUlsterHeartWalk.org.