HOLLYWOOD, FL. April 26, 2024 — The American Heart Association’s 2024 Heart Ball brought hearts together to save lives and strive for equitable health for all. With more than $1.1 million raised, funds will support the life-saving work of the Association to fight heart disease and stroke.
The South Florida Heart Ball concluded its momentous evening on April 13th at the Diplomat Beach Resort. The host of the evening was Jenise Fernandez, anchor and reporter with Local10 News. The chairs who championed this year's campaign were Andrew and Deana Koenig, CITY Furniture. Over 500 local guests who attended enjoyed musical entertainment and dancing.
“For the past 100 years, the American Heart Association has been at the forefront of life-saving initiatives, pioneering research, and advocacy,” said Andrew Koenig, chief executive officer of CITY Furniture. “The Heart Ball serves as a testament to our collective impact, bringing together supporters, sponsors, and heroes who share our vision for a healthier world. Deana and I were honored to serve as this year’s chairs and look forward to the impact the American Heart Association will continue to make in its second century.”
The event was a culmination of the Heart of South Florida, 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 to reflect, honor and celebrate the progress made through the determination, dedication and passion of all who support the Heart of South Florida.
“The Heart Ball isn’t just an event; it’s a movement,” said Marisol Garcia, executive director of the American Heart Association’s Greater Miami and Fort Lauderdale market. “We thank our supporters, sponsors, and community partners for their unwavering commitment to healthier hearts. As we look toward the next century, we remain relentless in our pursuit of longer, healthier lives for all.”
Sponsors of the 2024 South Florida Heart Ball include:
Live Fierce South Florida Sponsor: CITY Furniture
Presenting Sponsor: American AED, a ONE BEAT MEDICAL Company
Platform Nation of Lifesavers Sponsor: Rita and Rick Case Automotive Group
Signature Sponsor: Pediatrix Medical Group
Be The Beat Sponsor: UKG
Centennial Milestone Sponsor: AARP South Florida
Gold Corporate Sponsors: Broward Health, UHealth University of Miami Health System, Memorial Health Care System and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Wellness Sponsor: FPL
Silver Corporate Sponsors: B&I Contractors, Cundy, Ferguson Enterprises, HCA Florida Healthcare, Holy Cross Health, Jackson Health System, JM Family Enterprises, John & Tarra Stetson Charitable Foundation, LaCroix Sparkling Water, Lamark Media, Lennar Foundation, MicroVention, Moss, Mount Sinai Medical Center, RapidAI, Shutts & Bowen LLP, Social Mobile, Stryker, Tempur Sealy, Trane, WSVN
Friends of Heart: Comprehensive Care Services, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Medtronic, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Nova Southeastern University, World Emblem. And last but not least, our Media Sponsors: Brickell Magazine, Haute Living Magazine, PBS South Florida Health Channel and WPLG Local10.
The Open Your Heart Video Sponsor, Sunscreen Studios a local film studio, shared a personal video about their son Ethan’s journey as a young heart warrior. Ethan was diagnosed with a serious congenital heart defect, tetralogy of fallot, requiring him to have open heart surgery shortly after birth. Vibrant and heartwarming, the film conveyed the journey of Ethan and his family through the shock of diagnosis, the uncertainty of birth, major medical interventions and his miraculous recovery. Attendees at the event rallied around Ethan’s family, raising critical funds to support future families that could face similar hardships.
At last year’s South Florida Heart Ball, the association announced an inaugural award, the “Rita and Rick Case Changemaker Award.” This award is in honor of Rita and Rick Case’s legacy and Rita’s continued commitment to the American Heart Association.
This award goes to someone who has made the biggest impact and sets the tone, creates leadership and inspires others to join the mission of the American Heart Association. The 2024 Changemaker Award was presented to Jonathan DeLuca and the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation.
This year’s gathering marked a century of unwavering commitment to cardiovascular health, scientific breakthroughs, and community well-being. Funds raised through Heart of South Florida and Heart Ball supports 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 link.
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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:
Christina Vitale | christina.vitale@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org