About 15 businesses have pledged their support by decorating their front door for the city-wide American Heart Association campaign, Let's Paint the Town Red - Decorate Your Door contest.

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in Louisiana and in the United States.

On average, one woman in the United States dies from heart disease, stroke, or another cardiovascular disease every minute - that is 60 women during an hour.

Fortunately, heart disease is often preventable.

“Together we can raise awareness, educate and hopefully prevent some of the devastation that heart disease has on our community,” said Mayor Amrhein.

The City of Zachary has shown its support for the American Heart Association during February's National Heart Disease Month by participating in several events that have focused on heart disease or heart disease survivors, as well as designing a “Go Red for Women” display at the entrance to the mayor’s office.

In addition, paper hearts are being sold at local businesses and the Mayor's office to raise awareness, educate and hopefully prevent some of the devastation that heart disease can cause in a community.

Mayor David Amrhein judged the Decorate Your Door contest on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.

Fifteen local businesses entered the contest but one overall winner was chosen. The winner of the Decorate Your Door Contest is Keller-Williams.

Keller Williams will receive a plaque on Thursday, Feb. 21, and their photo will be posted on the American Heart Association’s Facebook page and receive bragging rights for a year.

Others receiving recognition include The Ruby Salon for Most Inspirational Door. The salon's door is in honor of John Michael Slaughter, a heart disease survivor. He is the child of Ruby Salon owner, Katey Sims Slaughter.

Merle Norman Cosmetics is also being recognized with a Honorable Mention nod for its efforts.

Other businesses participating in the Decorate Your Door contest on Feb. 14 were: Bank of Zachary, the Chamber of Commerce, Delta Financial Services, Fennwood Hills Country Club, John Hendry Insurance, Lane Regional Medical Center/Lane Cardiovascular/Lane Medical Plaza, Rhonda Landry Agency, Martha's Bistro, Oakwood Village, St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, Superior Ford and Zachary Parkside Apartments.

Congratulations, to all the winners, and a great job to all who entered the contest!

If your business is interested in selling paper hearts throughout the remainder of February, please contact Jody Drake, local Zachary event specialist, at 225-328-4551.

More door contestants will be featured in the next edition of the Zachary Plainsman on Feb. 27.