2026 First Coast Heart Ball unites Jacksonville in the fight against heart disease and stroke
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. March 26, 2025 — Recently, a shared purpose brought the American Heart Association, a force changing the future of health for all, and more than 400 attendees together for the First Coast Heart Ball. Raising nearly $1.2 million, the evening at the Sawgrass Marriott on March 7 convened survivors and their families, community advocates, business leaders and volunteers.
The First Coast Heart Ball is a year-round initiative that culminates on the evening of the event, bringing together community leaders to join the fight against the nation’s No. 1 killer, heart disease. year’s campaign focused on supporting nutrition security and military families, and was led by Chair Brian Wynne, president and chief executive officer of Acosta Group.
“This role brought together three things that matter deeply to me: leadership, service and community impact,” Wynne said. “Heart disease has touched my own family, so the mission of the American Heart Association is personal. I also believe that at certain stages in life, leadership means giving back with intention. Serving as chair felt like both a privilege and a responsibility that I was honored to be a part of.”
A sunrise-inspired gradient design filled the event space, symbolizing the hope of more sunrises, more tomorrows and more cherished moments, a theme that carried throughout the gathering. Guests heard remarks from host J.P. Shadrick, senior reporter and editor for the Jacksonville Jaguars; enjoyed a vibrant social hour; participated in silent and live auctions, and took to the dance floor with the Royals band.
Guests were moved by the heartfelt stories of seven local volunteers and the remarkable experience of Open Your Heart stroke survivor Frue McAvoy. Each volunteer’s journey powerfully underscored the importance of the Association’s work and brought its mission to life on a local level.
Nearly 50 local sponsors supported the First Coast Heart Ball, including Live Fierce. Be Relentless Sponsor Florida Blue, Getting to the Heart of Stroke™ National Sponsor HCA Florida Healthcare, and Platform Sponsors Acosta Group and The Winn-Dixie Company.
“The First Coast Heart Ball was a tremendous reminder of the positive change we create when we are connected by a mission as powerful as this one,” said Jacci Easterling, executive director, American Heart Association, First Coast. “The support of our dedicated volunteers, sponsors and attendees helps us continue to fight for a world of longer, healthier lives, and we are both humbled and honored by the community’s support and passion for this cause.”
The American Heart Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization that focuses on heart and brain health. For more information on how to support the American Heart Association and the First Coast Heart Ball, visit: 2025-2026 Jacksonville Heart Ball.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Emma Richards: emma.richards@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
