FORT WORTH, March 18, 2024 - Plans are underway for the annual Heart of Tarrant County Heart Ball, and co-chairs Lauren East and Lauren Duke are leading the community-wide initiative alongside Honorary Chairs Ben Rosenthal and Ashli Blumenfeld. The elegant event celebrates progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association’s year-round effort aimed at investing in and saving lives in the Tarrant County area.
This year’s initiative focuses on tackling pediatric cardiovascular disease and preventative measures to ensure more children have the chance to live a full and healthy life. An estimated one million children and 1.3 million adults are survivors of congenital heart defects (CHD), and the Association has committed significant research dollars to advance lifesaving CHD science. Throughout the evening the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health, will honor volunteers and patrons, feature stories of survivors, and entertain guests with dinner, dancing and an exciting auction.
“Heart disease runs in my family and as the mother of three young children, both children’s and adult heart-health is of the utmost importance to me. I am eager to collaborate with our outstanding team of volunteers and the American Heart Association as we all advocate for the well-being of children and adults in this community,” said co-chair of the event, Lauren East, Senior Vice President of Private Trust at Ciera Bank.
East’s co-chair for the Heart Ball, Lauren Duke, says, “I am honored to co-chair the 2024 Heart of Tarrant County Heart Ball and see this opportunity as a commitment to educate the community on what to do when the unexpected happens. Heart health hits close to home for me. My stepdad passed away 6 years ago from a chronic total occlusion or “widow maker” heart attack and my stepmother currently lives with heart disease. It is a privilege to partner with this phenomenal Tarrant County team that inspires action in our community.” Duke is the founder of PerfectMed Consulting and has supported the Association in previous years.
Honorary chairs for this year’s Tarrant County Heart Ball are Ben Rosenthal and Ashli Blumenfeld, who say they are proud to continue their support for the scientific advancements and strides made in public health. They do so as third generation supporters honoring both their grandparents who had heart disease, starting a long Rosenthal family involvement with the Association's Fort Worth division. As current co-presidents of Standard Meat Company, the family business that helped give Fort Worth its Cowtown name, they align with the impact the Association’s Tarrant County team has on tackling local nutrition and food security in the area.
The 2024 Heart of Tarrant County Heart Ball is on the evening of Saturday, May 4, 2024, at River Crest Country Club in Fort Worth. With featured guests like Emmy Award-winning couple Eric and Sainty Nelsen, the Ball is sure to be the celebration of the season pulling together hearts of philanthropy from across Panther City to Southlake’s Dragon country. For more information on how to support or attend the Tarrant County Heart Ball contact McKenzie Lamb at McKenzie.Lamb@heart.org
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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:
Lindsey Lyons at Lindsey.Lyons@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org