LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Sept. 3, 2024 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health for all, has named Natalie and Jason Ghidotti as co-chairpersons for the 2025 Central Arkansas Heart Ball.

Natalie Ghidotti is founder and CEO of Ghidotti Communications, a Little Rock-based public relations and content marketing agency, and Jason Ghidotti is a senior engineer and project manager at Olsson. The pair will lead a year-long fundraising and awareness campaign that will culminate with the big event March 15, 2025, at the Statehouse Convention Center.

For more than 30 years, the black-tie optional Heart Ball has been the organization’s premier social event in Central Arkansas and a large part of its ongoing efforts to combat heart disease and stroke in the region.

“Natalie brings a wealth of public relations expertise, creativity and connections to the table,” said Jamie Jones, chairperson of the American Heart Association-Central Arkansas board of directors. “Jason’s thoughtful project management skills and technical innovation will serve as key elements in advancing the AHA’s mission and elevating its premier fundraising event to new heights.

 “Their passion for our mission, combined with their professional expertise, makes them an ideal choice to lead this crucial campaign,” Jones added.

American Heart Association-Central Arkansas Executive Director Nikki Smith agreed.

“We’re thrilled to have the Ghidottis at the helm of the 2025 Heart Ball,” Smith said. “Their energy, creativity and dedication to elevating the lives of Arkansans will be instrumental in advancing our mission to improve heart health throughout the state.”

Last year’s event drew about 600 guests and raised more than $600,000, setting a high bar for the upcoming campaign.

“Natalie and I are honored to have been selected to lead the 2025 Heart Ball,” said Jason Ghidotti, “and our daughter, Corinne, will be a Sweetheart this year with many families we know, which makes it extra special for us. Recently, several of our good friends have tackled heart issues, and we’re consistently reminded that heart disease affects people of all generations and continues to be the leading cause of death in Arkansas. For the health and well-being of so many Arkansans, we are committed to making this year’s event the most impactful yet.”

As Gen X parents, Natalie and Jason understand the health risks across generations from aging parents discovering heart issues to the alarming growth of high school peer pressure to try vaping and e-cigarettes. The pair have also come face-to-face with the dangers of silent symptoms such as unknown high blood pressure among friends their age who are considered “weekend warriors” and healthy.

“With an immense variety of factors causing heart disease across generations, Jason and I felt compelled to get involved and support the many great health initiatives of the American Heart Association through planning and executing a successful Heart Ball,” said Natalie Ghidotti. “We also love the important aspect of the long-standing Sweethearts program that teaches young women about the importance of making a difference in their community as up-and-coming leaders.”

The 2025 Heart Ball will feature a silent and live auction, elegant dinner, presentation of the 2025 class of Sweethearts, inspiring stories from heart disease and stroke survivors and a live band to cap the fun evening. Funds raised will support the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

As the campaign kicks off, the Ghidottis are working closely with the Heart Ball team to develop innovative strategies for engagement and fundraising. “We’re exploring new ways to connect with donors and showcase the life-saving work of the American Heart Association,” Natalie Ghidotti said. “This campaign is about more than just one night; it’s about creating lasting change in our community.”

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.

More information on the Central Arkansas Heart Ball can be found at heart.org/HeartofCentralAR.

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

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org