Health Mart names 15 finalists in contest to award $50K; one is from Ellijay

SAN FRANCISCO -- Health Mart today named Jan Day of Ellijay and 14 other finalists across the country in a contest to recognize people who are making their communities healthier. <br /> <br /> As part of the "Champions of Care" Challenge, Health Mart is awarding a total of $50,000 to local non-profits selected by finalists.<br /> <br /> A 501(c)(3) non-profit chosen by each of the finalists will receive $1,000 to continue their work for the health of the community. The top three winners will direct even more money to their local non-profit. Day has chosen the Boys & Girls Club, which served over 150 children last year, to receive a grant. They are currently leasing space and are working toward a free-standing location.<br /> <br /> "Local unsung heroes like Jan are giving back every day to create healthier families, workplaces, neighborhoods and communities around them," said Steve Courtman, President of Health Mart. "Health Mart pharmacists are proud to honor her commitment by giving a financial boost to the Boys & Girls Club in Ellijay."<br /> <br /> To say "thank you" to Day and other local Champions of Care, Health Mart is awarding $50,000 in grants to community health non-profits to recognize them for improving health and well-being in their communities. Health Mart asked people across the country to share their stories about the good deeds happening in their communities.<br /> <br /> "Good health means making wise choices about what you are putting in your body and how you are moving your body," said Day. "Healthy living can make the life you are living more valuable and that is what we try to teach the kids we see every day. We were proud to work with our local Health Mart pharmacy recently when they provided a donation to the Boys & Girls Club for each flu shot given to our kids and their parents."<br /> <br /> Day said that the flu epidemic did not hit the Ellijay community nearly as hard this year after the Health Mart vaccine program.<br /> <br /> Fifteen finalists were selected from all submissions by a panel of judges. People across the country can now vote for America's most caring community champions at healthmartcommunity.com.<br /> <br /> The prizes for the finalists with the most votes include:<br /> <br /> &#9679; A $30,000 grant for a local non-profit chosen by the grand prize winner<br /> &#9679; A $3,000 grant for a local non-profit chosen by the first runner-up<br /> &#9679; A $2,000 grant for a local non-profit chosen by the second runner-up<br /> <br /> Anyone can go to healthmartcommunity.com and vote for their Champion of Care whose healthy initiatives and activities have pioneered inspiring change.<br />