About the Walk of Hearts

The WALK OF HEARTS award was founded by one of our civic leaders, Joe Andrews, an active business member and President Emeritus of the Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Inspired by the hard work and dedication of his mother, who worked at one of the schools he attended, and the positive influence that certain teachers had during his formative years, Joe created the WALK OF HEARTS. A way of bringing overdue recognition to those individuals who have the unique ability to inspire, mold and perhaps - with a word or two of encouragement—change a life forever. Teachers.

The concept of the WALK OF HEARTS was presented to the Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber of Commerce in 2003, after Joe read an article in the Daily News about the great work the City of Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency was doing in downtown Canoga Park.  The inaugural ceremony was held in 2004 with 10 teachers honored.

The WALK OF HEARTS not only brings recognition to dedicated teachers, past and present, it also places the spotlight on the Canoga Park community, a 2005 All America City awardee.  The WALK OF HEARTS helps attract thousands of new visitors to discover the community's hidden treasures and shop at the local businesses.

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