AUSTIN, Texas, May 4, 2024 — We live in a country where 50 million people face a higher risk of heart disease because they lack the most basic needs including healthy food. A poor diet is the leading contributor to the development of chronic diseases. Nearly 20 percent of the people in the five counties the American Heart Association in Austin serves have low or no access to healthy food. This leads to higher incidences of heart disease, stroke and premature death.
The 2024 Austin Heart Ball, held at the JW Marriott Austin, brought hearts together to save lives and strive for equitable health for everyone living throughout Central Texas. With more than $850,000 raised, funds will support the life-saving work of the American Heart Association to fight heart disease and stroke including addressing nutrition security in Austin.
Chairman Eric Gribble from DPR and hosts of the evening, Britt Moreno and Daniel Marin from KXAN, were joined by auctioneer TK from Astounding Auctions and featured survivor Steve Sarkisian, head football coach at the University of Texas. Nearly 600 guests enjoyed musical entertainment by Texas’ own Josh Abbott Band.
The event was a culmination of the Heart of Austin, an American Heart Association initiative that works to equitably improve and save lives from heart disease and stroke. The Heart Ball marks a special moment in time to reflect, honor and celebrate the progress made through the determination, dedication and passion of all who support the Heart of Austin.
St. David’s HealthCare served as the Presenting Sponsor for this year’s event. They were joined by Life is Why Sponsor Texas Mutual and Live Fierce Sponsor Centre for Neuro Skills. This year’s Platinum Sponsors included Comfort Systems, HCA Foundation, Ranger Excavating and Texas Children’s Hospital. Silvers Sponsors included Texas Capital Bank, SpawGlass and DPR Construction.
Also sponsoring the 2024 Heart Ball were Chaparral, JE Dunn, LASCO, Oscar Orduno, Inc., One Source Flooring, Power Design, Prism Electric, Alamo Concrete, BSA Lifestructures, Capital Industries, CM Constructors, The Demo Company, The Door Company, Dynamic Systems, Inc., Ferguson Enterprises, Flynn Construction, Gjerset & Lorenz, kga, Live Oak Construction, Performance Contracting, Inc., River City Excavation, Polkinghorn Group Architects, Rosendin Electric, SET Floors, Structura, TDIndustries, Texas Construction Association, Tito's Vodka, Urban Dirt, UT Health Austin, Way Mechanical, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company and Winstead PC.
Funds raised through Heart of Austin and Heart Ball support the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, which aims to reduce barriers to health care access and quality. The American Heart Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization focuses on heart and brain health. For more information on how to support the American Heart Association visit heart.org/AustinHeartBall.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Ty Fleeman: 512-338-2436; ty.fleeman@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org