2009 Heart Ball
November 21, 2009
The PhoenicianToday, we are not only one of the largest Heart Balls in the nation, but the single most successful fundraising gala in the country for the American Heart Association.
Under the leadership of Beth McRae, the 2009 Heart Ball Committee is working to raise millions of dollars to fund lifesaving research and education programs to fight heart disease and stroke. In reaching this goal, the committee hopes to be the most successful fundraising gala for the American Heart Association once again.
The 2009 Heart Ball hosts business leaders and the most prominent and well-respected Phoenix residents. Both corporations and individuals support the event which is attended by nearly 900 guests. Guests enjoy dancing to one of the nation’s top entertainment bands, partake in fine cuisine and benefit from an evening of caring as friends and philanthropists join together to support the mission of the American Heart Association. The success of the Heart Ball is attributed to the 140 volunteer committee members who are responsible for all aspects of the event while keeping expenses under 15 percent.
A message from 2009 Heart Ball Chairman Beth McRae:
Two thousand and nine marks a wonderful milestone for the Phoenix Heart Ball, its 50th Anniversary. Since the very first Heart Ball, chaired in 1959 by Mrs. Peggy Goldwater, The Phoenix Heart Ball has netted nearly $27 million for the American Heart Association and the Phoenix community. Funding from the Heart Ball led to the development of CPR and many other lifesaving American Heart Association innovations.This year, we are focusing on "Healthy Choices for the Next 50 Years" as a way to view the choices each of us makes daily within the context of cardiovascular health. These choices range all the way from what we choose to eat to where we donate our money. Where we invest our money can have far-reaching implications, like the donation that funded the creation of CPR.
In 2009, we celebrate 50 years of the Phoenix Heart Ball and all of the many donors and volunteers that have fueled its growth from a small affair to a signature black-tie gala in the Valley of the Sun. The Heart Ball raised $16,000 in 1960 with Chairman Georgia Green and her committee of two. In 2008, Chairman Nan Howlett and her committee netted $2.4 million for the American Heart Association, Phoenix.
Our two new initiatives this year are CPR training for 7th grade students in Maricopa County and the renovation of the Halle Heart Center into a full-blown children’s museum. We are excited to bring both to our community and look forward to the long-reaching impact they will have for generations to come.
Happy 50th Anniversary! By contributing and volunteering, each of us becomes part of the Phoenix Heart Ball legacy.
From our hearts to yours, we thank you for your support.
Beth McRae
2009 Heart Ball Chairman
For more information on sponsor levels for the Heart Ball, please click on the following to download:
Contact:
Melanie Dillman
American Heart Association
melanie.dillman@heart.org
602.414.5360