CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, Dec. 4, 2023 – The American Heart Association’s annual Corpus Christi Heart Ball is a must-attend event for area philanthropists who care deeply about the health and well-being of residents in the Coastal Bend.  About 75 people gathered at the home of 2024 Co-chairpersons Peggy and Avinash Ahuja the night of Nov. 16 for a donor’s reception to kick off this year’s campaign.

The 2024 Heart of Corpus Christi is slated for Feb. 24 at the American Bank Center and carries the theme “All in for Heart Health.” The Association is celebrating its Centennial year in 2024.

“The theme melds the gaming theme with the ‘odds’ of experiencing heart disease,” noted Development Director Amy Snell Canterbury. “We are ‘all in’ for another 100 years of saving lives by reducing the risks of heart disease and stroke.”  Guests can look forward to live entertainment, games, an auction, dinner and dancing, she added.

 “For nearly 100 years, the American Heart Association has been fighting heart disease and stroke, striving to save and improve lives,” said Peggy Ahuja.  “While great strides have been made, Texas remains ranked 18th in the country in deaths from heart disease and ranked 13th in the nation in death by stroke. The need to highlight the American Heart Association’s mission and to support education, research and advocacy is more critical than ever.”

The pre-party guest list included the 2024 medical and business honorees, all past and present Heart Ball supporters, local American Heart Association board members, this year’s featured survivor and members of the ball’s executive leadership team.

The Ahujas will be joined at the heart ball by co-chairpersons Drs. Veena and Vishnu Reddy, though the Reddys were unable to attend the campaign kickoff. Hosts and guests are driven in their volunteer efforts by the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Nearly everyone at the party has been affected by heart disease or stroke or knows someone who has.

The highlight of the party was the introduction of the 2024 business honorees, Becky and Marty Davis, and the medical honorees, Mallory and Dr. Paul Heath.

This year’s featured survivor is Bill Lathrop Jr., who was introduced by Open Your Heart Co-Chairpersons Hugo Berlanga and Karen Urban, American Heart Association-Corpus Christi board chairperson. The campaign has received a $20,000 challenge gift to kick-start the Open Your Heart Campaign.

Other board members in attendance included President Dr. Travis Scott and members Rajan Ahuja, Mary Campbell, LaNell Scott, Liz Matthews, Darcy Schroeder and Mike Pusley.

The campaign kickoff also drew representatives from Life is Why sponsor CHRISTUS Spohn Health System and signature sponsor Corpus Christi Medical Center among others.

For more information or to become a sponsor for the Corpus Christi Heart Ball, contact Amy Snell Canterbury at amy.canterbury@heart.or or go to www.heart.org/corpuschristiheartball

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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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org