HOUSTON, January 8, 2024 — Kelly Hackett, managing director of Family Office Services at Tectonic Advisors, along with local staff for the American Heart Association, have been busy planning for this centennial celebration which will honor the Association’s 100th birthday and showcase Heart Health Heroes from our own community. The Ball will be held on the evening of Saturday, February 10th at the Hilton Americas.

Pulse of the Century will serve as the event’s theme with stories being told through videos, photographs and community partners’ stories around their efforts to improve heart health and stroke prevention.

SLB is the evening’s Legacy Sponsor and HCA Healthcare Foundation is the National Platform Sponsor and Together to End Stroke Sponsor. Houston’s Second Century Campaign donors, those who have made pledges to support the American Heart Association as it begins its second century this month, will also be recognized. These donors include Norton Rose Fulbright, The Hackett Family, Debbie and Jack B. Moore, Beverly and Jim Postl, SLB and St. Luke’s Health.

AHA’s Heart Health Heroes and community partners being recognized at the event include:

  • Dr. Julia Andrieni – Houston Methodist
  • Jasmynn Lahner – Houston Food Bank
  • Whitney G. Mack, MPH – Prairie View A&M-Wellness in Houston
  • Alicia Neal – EEDC – Emancipation Economic Development Council
  • Sam Newman – Founder, Little Red Box Grocery
  • Jeremy Peaches – Fresh Life Organics, Black Farmer Box
  • Noemi Arjona Petersen, MSN, MPH, RN – UT Health Houston
  • Tommy Garcia Prats – Small Places, Finca Tres Robles
  • Janna Roberson – Urban Harvest
  • Sheila Sazon, MSN, RN – Baylor Medicine
  • Dr. Shreela Sharma – UTHealth Houston
  • Imarogbe Stoke, MPH – Rice University, Kinder Institute
  • Dr. Adriana Tamez – Tejano Center for Community Concerns, La Tiendita
  • Dr. Marlen Trujillo – Spring Branch Community Health Center
  • Ivy Lawrence-Walls – Ivy Leaf Farms, Fresh Houwse Grocery
  • Dr. Lechauncy D. Woodard – Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, University of Houston

2024 marks 100 years of scientific discovery and innovation by the American Heart Association. Founded in Chicago by six cardiologists, the Association was inspired by a social worker who felt more could be done to help people who suffered heart attacks. From humble beginnings and with a vision of improving health around the world, the American Heart Association has grown dramatically and is now the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. During this second century of bold action, the Association is committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere.

With bold hearts our own local volunteers in Houston, as well as our other supporters and staff, will forge ahead into the organization’s second century. The Association will continue to fuel science and innovation, fund lifesaving research, stand for the rights of patients and caregivers, work with communities, and help transcend the way we live, work and play.

“In honor of our Centennial Year our team here at the AHA knew that the 2024 Heart Ball would provide the perfect opportunity to showcase our own Heart Health Heroes, including those who are working to address food insecurity in our community,” said Allison Sheeder, Region SVP, Sr. Executive Director, based in Houston. “The AHA is also grateful to the Hackett family for its long-standing support of our initiatives in Houston.”

Kelly Hackett has been involved with volunteer activities in Houston for over two decades, serving on boards related to health, education and child welfare. Currently, she is involved with St. Luke’s Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, United Way of Greater Houston, St. Agnes Academy, and the Greater Houston Community Foundation.

“I am proud to follow in the footsteps of many remarkable Houstonians in working with the American Heart Association as Chair for the 40th annual Heart of Houston Heart Ball,” said Hackett. “I hope you will join me as we head into the 100th year of celebrating the American Heart Association’s mission while paying tribute to our local Heart Health Heroes and our other community partners making a difference every day.”  

For more information about ways to participate in the 2024 Heart Ball, please contact Melody Torno, melody.torno@heart.org.

###

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.orgFacebookX or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.    

For Media Inquiries:

Katharine Perrow: Katharine.Perrow@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org