As part of the ongoing commitment to and involvement in the community, Rita Case, along with the Rick Case Automotive Group, celebrated $1 million in donations to the American Heart Association (AHA), joining the select group of philanthropists in the organization’s Heart and Torch Circle within the Cor Vitae Society. The announcement was made during the recent Broward Heart Walk. Rita and her husband Rick laid the foundation for the Heart Walk and have continually dedicated time, leadership, support and creativity to help the AHA achieve their goals and take the organization to new heights. 

It’s also because of the generous multi-year donation from Rita and the Rick Case Automotive Group that every underserved middle and high school in the Broward County public school system has received new, upgraded CPR in Schools Training Kits. If performed immediately, CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. The AHA wants all students and educators to learn CPR, placing more qualified lifesavers in local communities.

“We support the American Heart Association because heart health awareness and heart disease prevention save lives,” said Case, president and CEO of the Rick Case Automotive Group. “According to the AHA, cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the U.S., and that’s why it is so important to highlight the benefits of staying physically active and promoting a culture of health and well-being. Our community will continue to live healthier lives because of the American Heart Association.” 

In a rare move by a national organization to establish a perpetual recognition award, the AHA announced the inaugural Rita and Rick Case Changemaker Award during the 2023 Heart Ball. The award is now presented annually in perpetuity to someone who has made an impact, sets the tone, leads by example and inspires others to join the mission of the AHA. This is the first award of its kind in the AHA’s South Florida market.