The 2024 Rochester Heart Ball brought hearts together to save lives and strive for equitable health for everyone living in Rochester. With more than $300,000 raised, funds will support the life saving work of the American Heart Association to fight heart disease and stroke.
The event, held May 18 at Oak Hill Country Club, was a culmination of the Heart of Rochester, an American Heart Association campaign centered around every individual to address critical issues and drive work to equitably improve and save lives for everyone everywhere. The Heart Ball marks a special moment in time to reflect, honor and celebrate the progress made through the determination, dedication and passion of all who support the Heart of Rochester.
“For 100 years the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy communities,” said Heart Ball Co-Chairperson Dr. George Porter, Rhea and Raymond White professor in pediatric cardiology at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “Here in Rochester, the Heart Ball has been raising vital funds to ensure equitable health, fund critical research and support lifesaving work. With Bold Hearts and support from donors like you, we have helped transform our community and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates. And we’re just getting started. With your help, we can keep working to ensure all people can enjoy longer, healthier lives.”
“Thank you to the people of Rochester for your continued support of the Heart Ball,” said Heart Ball Co-Chairperson Laurel A. Yartz, senior human resources leader at Lewis Services. “Your efforts and donations are helping to make a difference right here in our community. The American Heart Association is relentlessly focused on standing for all and driving equitable health for all. You are part of that.”
Nearly 360 guests at the Heart Ball heard about the American Heart Association’s work, lifesaving information and inspiring stories. Dr. Mark B. Taubman, senior advisor to the CEO at UR Medicine, received the Dr. Arthur J. Moss Leadership Award for his work supporting the American Heart Association and community health. The Cimino and O’Geen families shared the story of their young girls, Aubrey Cimino and Ellianna O’Geen, who both had heart surgery before kindergarten and became best friends.
To donate in support of heart and stroke research, advocacy and education through the Heart Ball or for more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4rf7yhtv or contact Megan Vargulick at Megan.Vargulick@heart.org or 585.317.9342.
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