DES MOINES, Feb. 6, 2023- The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, will host its 2023 Greater Des Moines Heart Ball on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. The annual gala is a culmination of the year-round American Heart Association Heart of Greater Des Moines campaign, an initiative uniting community leaders to invest and make an impact in improving CPR education and advancing health equity.

This year’s Heart Ball is a 70s-themed experience titled “Groove is in the Heart,” inspired by the song “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. The classic disco song is a popular tune to reference when performing Hands-Only CPR because it carries a tempo of 100-120 beats per minute, the recommended rate for CPR.  

The pre-event activities begin at 5 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. The program includes a live auction, an inspiring survivor story and an after-party featuring music from the 70s. Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are still available. Visit www.heart.org/DSMHeartBall to learn more.

The American Heart Association, Greater Des Moines board designated CPR education and health equity as critical issues to address this year to measurably improve health for all people in the community.

Recent national data indicates only about 40% of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive the immediate help they need before professional help arrives. Locally, research shows life expectancy can differ by more than 13 years between neighborhoods located within the Greater Des Moines metro.

“The Heart Ball gives us an opportunity to shine a light on the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association while continuing to make progress in vital areas to improve the health of our community,” said Ben Vallier, CEO of The Iowa Clinic and chair of the Greater Des Moines Heart Ball. “This experience ensures that we can continue to address health inequities, fund lifesaving research and provide critical education and resources to our neighbors throughout Greater Des Moines.”

The event will also feature the presentation of the 2023 Judy Willis Volunteer of the Year Award, the local Leaders of Impact winner and an inspirational survivor story from the Wetzel family. Eric Wetzel, a 45-year-old teacher and coach, survived cardiac arrest in August 2022 inside the family’s Waukee home thanks to lifesaving CPR performed by his wife, Megan.

The 2023 Greater Des Moines Heart Ball is sponsored by The Iowa Clinic.

“The Heart Ball showcases the American Heart Association’s work on health equity while bringing local leaders together to hear inspiring stories as part of a dynamic program,” said Karen Rieck, vice president of human resources at Farm Bureau Financial Services and chair of the Greater Des Moines Board of Directors. “This premiere event celebrates all we’ve achieved the past year in support of the health of our community and the Association.”

The Heart of Greater Des Moines campaign and the Heart Ball support the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, which aims to reduce barriers to health care access and quality. The American Heart Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization focuses on heart and brain health.

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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, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.  

For Media Inquiries:
Bryan Geelan: bryan.geelan@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org