Hundreds of community leaders joined together on the evening of May 21 to help create a healthier community.
The American Heart Association brought people back together for the annual Rochester Heart Ball. The event, held at the Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, celebrated the American Heart Association’s mission and raised more than $270,000.
“It has been an honor to lead the Heart Ball campaign,” said Heart Ball Co-Chairman John Dineen, Executive Vice President at Postler & Jaeckle Corp. “It’s extremely inspiring to see the outpouring of community support first hand, and eye-opening to be reminded just how many people are effected by heart disease and stroke in some way.”
Guests at the Heart Ball heard lifesaving information and inspiring stories. Thomas F. Judson, Jr., chairman of The Pike Companies, LTD., received the Dr. Arthur J. Moss Leadership Award for his work supporting the American Heart Association and other non-profits in the community. Ken Pink, a partner at Bonadio Group, shared the story of his heart attack. He woke up at 4 a.m. after a busy day thinking he had indigestion. Thankfully, he got to the hospital in time to have two stents placed.
“Without medical research, perhaps I wouldn’t be here today,” said Ken, “So thank you American Heart Association for your research and lifesaving and life-altering work.”
The black-tie evening featured cocktails, dinner, awards, and a live auction, drawing the region’s most passionate business leaders, medical professionals, and donors to raise funds and awareness to fight heart diseases and stroke, the number one and number three killers in the Greater Rochester Region. Funds raised will benefit the Rochester Region through youth programs, worksite wellness initiatives, healthcare quality initiatives, efforts around eliminating health disparities, and continuing medical research.
The American Heart Association notes that the majority of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented if certain risk factors are controlled including obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking. It is also recommended to know your family health history and be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day.
To donate in support of heart and stroke research, advocacy, and education through the Heart Ball or for more information, visit RochesterHeartBall.heart.org or contact Megan Vargulick at Megan.Vargulick@heart.org or 585-317-9342.
Provided information
