Wal-Mart Threatens To Out-Walk Tyson

Corporate competition in the 2004 Northwest Arkansas American Heart Walk is already fierce. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in Bentonville, which the Fayetteville office of the American Heart Association said has been a growing contributor to its efforts in fighting cardiovascular diseases, has the highest fundraising goal and the most teams of any company this year.

Wal-Mart has 40 teams — groups of employees who walk to raise money for the philanthropy — and a goal of $60,000. Tyson Foods Inc. in Springdale, the traditional top supporter, so far has 37 teams and a goal of $50,000. Tyson is, however, also a $5,000 corporate sponsor.

“Wal-Mart is coming on strong this year like you would not believe,” said Joe Speitel, AHA’s Northwest Arkansas office manager.

The walk, being presented by Arvest Bank Group Inc., will start at 9 a.m. on April 3 at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville. Same day registration is at 8 a.m.

Kris King, an operations manager at Wal-Mart’s warehouse No. 8 in Bentonville, said his colleagues are jazzed about fighting CVD.

“I think the biggest thing for us is it’s a great cause that goes to help a lot of people in our area,” King said. “Nearly all of us have people in our families who have been affected by heart disease, and Wal-Mart encourages us to give back to our communities.”