Munroe Family - Why I Give
Ray and Peggy have owned Mays-Munroe and The Sleep Center in Tallahassee for 45 years. After the death of their son, Ray Jr., following a heart attack, they founded the annual Have a Heart Celebration benefiting Tallahassee Memorial Heart and Vascular Center. They, along with family, friends, employees and supporters, have raised more than $125,000 since 2014 and helped purchase a Cardiac Ultrasound system.
Why did you start the Have a Heart Celebration?
Peggy: Your children aren’t supposed to go before you do. I wouldn’t wish that on any parent, and so we tried to think of something we could do to make us feel better about that loss and help others.
Ray: We lost an amazing, brilliant boy, and we don’t want him to be forgotten.
What happens on the night of the event?
Peggy: We have music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and an auction. Our manufacturers donate auction items like wine coolers and even large appliances. Our friends and other local businesses provide gift cards and merchandise. We call upon everyone we know, and they all help. This year we had about 200 people.
Ray: A cardiologist from Tallahassee Memorial comes and talks about heart health and the latest in treatment. We hope we can maybe prevent this from happening to someone else.
What goes into planning the Have a Heart Celebration?
Peggy: Our family and everyone at the store helps. We host the celebration here to avoid renting an event space. We cover the overhead so that every penny raised can go to the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Foundation.
What role can businesses play in supporting healthcare in our community?
Ray: A privately-owned local business is part of the community. We need to support the community because they support us. This is our way of giving back and helping the hospital be even better for when someone needs care, it’s the best place to send them.
