CHICAGO, March 20 2024 - The American Heart Association will celebrate the 42nd annual Chicago Heart Ball at Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom on Saturday, April 20, 2024. The Heart Ball – attended by more than 800 people representing Chicago’s business, medical and philanthropic communities – is an annual gala benefiting the AHA’s life-saving mission. The event celebrates the organization’s centennial and efforts to build a foundation of health in the Chicagoland community.

The AHA was founded by a team of vanguard cardiologists at Chicago’s historic Drake Hotel committed to ending cardiovascular disease. For 100 years the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy communities. And for more than 50 years, Heart Ball has been raising vital funds to ensure equitable health, fund critical research and support lifesaving work. The Heart Ball celebrates progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association’s Heart of Chicago, a year-round effort aimed at investing in and saving and improving lives in Chicago.

This year’s Heart Ball will honor those health systems throughout Chicago that have worked to improve equity through scientific breakthroughs, commitment to patient care and community service. The AHA’s “Heart of Gold” honor will be bestowed on Chicago-based Walgreens, represented by Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth. The company exemplifies a commitment towards meeting health equity goals and ending cardiovascular disease.

The event is to be co-chaired by Sharon Langshur and Eric Langshur, AHA Chicago Metro Board Chair and public health researcher at Northwestern University and founder and Managing Partner of Abundant Venture Partners respectively. The couple are longtime supporters of AHA’s mission.

“We are deeply honored to serve as the 2024 chairs of the Heart of Chicago campaign. We are looking forward to another successful year and we know this year will be more meaningful than ever as we celebrate a century of impact. As some of you may know, our family is personally impacted by the work of the American Heart Association as our son Matthew was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and we credit the research funded by the American Heart Association with helping Matthew to receive life-saving heart surgery that allows him to live as a healthy 25-year-old,” the couple said.  

About the Chicago Heart Ball
The 42nd annual Chicago Heart Ball on Saturday, April 20, 2024, will include a social networking hour and dinner program, concluding with a spectacular live auction. After the program, guests are invited to continue the celebration at Navy Pier’s Lakeview Terrace, featuring live music and dancing.


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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:
Erin Kesler: erin.kesler@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.or