As the American Heart Association works on a serious mission - beating heart disease and stroke - several hundred Middle Tennessee companies supporting the two area Heart Walks are coming up with creative ways to contribute funds that fuel the association's mission and support research, education and public health programs.

Both the Rutherford Heart Walk (Sept. 19 at Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital) and Greater Nashville Heart Walk (October 3 at Vanderbilt University) are fueled by local companies and their employees, who work with the AHA to raise funds to combat the leading health threat. And the ways they work are actually a lot of fun.

Golf, anyone? TW Frierson, SMS Holdings, Gaylord, NES and the William T. Coakley Classic give golfers the chance to get on the links and do good for the AHA at the same time. The popular golf tournaments prove to be especially effective fundraisers.

Bowling is a favorite of both Affinion and Brasfield & Gorrie. Bridgestone Americas holds a field day as part of its efforts. RJ Young stages a run.

And how about everyone's favorite: cornhole? Welcome to the annual event held by Earl Swensson and Associates in the Gulch.

A special creativity award goes to TrustPoint Hospital CEO Jeffery Woods, who allowed his employees to tape him to the wall (for a price) and even took a pie to the face - all in the name of supporting the AHA.

Many other companies sell hearts, homemade goods or the right to participate in "dress down" days at work, or raise funds the old-fashioned Nashville way: with a tip jar.

Vanderbilt Heart, cause sponsor of the Greater Nashville Heart Walk, sees many Vanderbilt members rally to the cause and form teams. Saint Thomas Heart, cause sponsor of the Rutherford Heart Walk, has many associates do the same in its multiple facilities and offices.

The multitude of company efforts helps to place the Greater Nashville Heart Walk among the top 10 in the nation for campaign revenue, and the Rutherford Heart Walk in an increasingly important position driving growing Rutherford County support of the AHA's mission.

This year's fundraising goals? For the Nashville event, it's a cool $2 million. For the Rutherford walk, it's $130,000.

Want to help? You don't have to be part of a company to find the "fun" in fundraising. Many individuals form teams with their friends and families, and fundraise right from their phones via the Heart Walk app, which allows you to send Emails, texts and scheduled social media posts with just a few clicks.

Form your own fundraising team, join another team, or simply make a donation at:

Rutherford Heart Walk Sept. 19: rutherfordheartwalk.org

Greater Nashville Heart Walk Oct. 3: nashvilleheartwalk.org