LITTLE ROCK, Ark., March 12, 2024 — As plans are being finalized for the 2024 Central Arkansas Heart Ball, Mark and Tammie Davis are hard at work as co-chairpersons of this year’s community-wide campaign. The Heart Ball celebrates progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association’s Heart of Central Arkansas, a year-round effort aimed at investing in and saving and improving lives in Little Rock and its surrounding communities.
Mark Davis is chief corporate officer and general counsel for Lexicon Inc., and Tammie Davis is division president for Cadance Bank.
The ball starts with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and a program at 7 p.m. April 6 in the Wally Allen Ballroom at the Statehouse Convention Center. The night will also include live and silent auctions, entertainment and presentation of the 2024 class of Central Arkansas Sweethearts.
The annual event celebrates the Association’s year-round efforts to drive health equity in and around Central Arkansas. This year’s campaign is specifically focused on improving the chain of survival in the case of cardiac arrest and ensuring more neighbors have the chance to live a full and healthy life.
“We are thrilled that proven community leaders like Tammie and Mark are so committed to marking the American Heart Association’s 100th year with a bold and successful Heart Ball campaign,” said Jamie Jones, chairperson of the American Heart Association-Central Arkansas board of directors. “They understand the impact the mission and work of the American Heart Association can have on every central Arkansan.”
“We welcome the Davises to the Heart of Central Arkansas, an initiative that centers around better health for every Arkansan by focusing on critical issues and works to equitably improve and save lives,” said Nikki Smith, executive director of the American Heart Association-Central Arkansas.
Tammie Davis, an accountant by trade, said she and her husband are building on the success of last year’ ball, which raised $511,000. This year’s goal, she said, is $649,000 and upward of 800 guests.
The couple is driven to serve in the memory of Mark’s father, Gary Davis, who passed away from complications of heart failure. “We felt robbed when we lost him way too early,” Tammie Davis said.
Gary Davis’ passing has also had a huge impact on the Davises’ daughter, Abigail, who was national Youth Advocate of the Year for the Association in 2019.
“I am honored to serve as chairman of the 2024 Central Arkansas Heart Ball,” said Mark Davis. the American Heart Association, and has supported past Heart Ball, Heart Walk and Go Red for Women campaigns.
“Family drives all we do,” Davis said. “We do this not only for my father but we’re also doing it for your father, family and all your friends and loved ones.” The Davis family also includes a son, Mason.
The 2024 Heart Ball carries the theme “Big Top. Big Impact.” and is sponsored by Baptist Health, Lexicon, and Underhill Real Estate, among others. Dr. Cam Patterson, chancellor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, will receive the Worthen-Cornett Award. Leslie Bennett will be the featured Open Your Heart survivor.
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, 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.
Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org