FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., June 18, 2024 – The local office of the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, will host its 24th Paint the Town Red event June 22 at JJ’s Live in Fayetteville. The latest installment of this well-known fundraiser is an ode to world travel and carries the theme “Passport to Paint.” Casual resort wear is the suggested attire.

Leading this year’s efforts to end heart disease and stroke are two relative newcomers, Heather Clark and Mark Larsen, both of Walmart. Like many, Clark has a family history of heart disease and is drawn to the American Heart Association’s role in heart health education and developing life-saving research.

“I have loved ones with heart conditions such as Afib (atrial fibrillation, which is a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat), and I know how scary it can be to go through the process of being diagnosed, figuring out how to treat it and knowing it’s something that will have to be monitored through the rest of your life.” Though heart disease can be serious, Clark said Paint the Town Red brings levity, and she supports the event because it’s fun.

Larsen said he gets a tremendous amount of satisfaction interacting with the local American Heart Association employees and others who share similar passions for health and wellness.

“Whether it’s engaging with sponsors, attendees or fellow volunteers, I know that all these efforts will benefit the mission of the Association,” he said.

The event boasts fare from 18 area restaurants, 18 unique bars, nine unique lounge spaces, a silent auction with mobile bidding open to registered guests on June 19, music by the band 2Proud2Beg of Kansas City and a VIP experience featuring cuisine by drummer-turned-chef Steven Brooks.

Brooks, who has a personal connection to cardiovascular disease, started his culinary career in 1991 and relocated to Northwest Arkansas in 2000. He is featured on KNWA’s local Cooking Today and About the Dish segments and starred in one season of AETN’s Cook with Brooks, a documentary-style educational program with an emphasis on local farmers, restaurants and chefs. In addition to his TV appearances, Brooks currently runs his own catering company, Chef Brooks Catering.

Featured restaurants are Big Whiskey, Crabby’s, Eat My Catfish, Jaclyn’s Kitchen, JJ’s Grill, El Rio Mexican, Fayetteville Tacos & Tamales, Tula, Sweet Scoops, Plomo’s, Chuy’s Fayetteville, Marley’s Pizza, Renzo’s Italian, Rymolene’s Pies, The Cake Occasion, Venesian Inn and Mrs. Mildred’s Kitchen. In addition to the food and libations, Passport to Paint will have multiple photo booths, a passport-themes game with a chance to win a trip and a gold simulator with prizes for winners.

For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country. These bold moves are fueled by our mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. They have helped transform our nation’s health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates. But these gains have not been shared equitably. Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Asian American, Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ people have suffered and died disproportionately. So have people in historically underrepresented communities all over the country. With Bold Hearts™ and powered by science, we pledge to work relentlessly to eliminate heart disease and stroke, optimize brain health and ensure equitable health in every community.

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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 or X 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