Honoree Megan Trussel and her husband Jeremy
The American Heart Association’s 31st Annual Heart Ball, chaired by John and Lynn Anderson, netted over $404,000. Proceeds from this event will help The American Heart Association reach their 2020 Impact Goal to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent and reduce deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent by the year 2020.
Over 500 local business people and philanthropists gathered to raise funds to fund life-saving medical research as well as to educate the public on how to live a healthier life to avoid the risk factors of heart disease and stroke. Megan Trussell was the honoree and shared her story of how the stroke she suffered at age 25 could have been less severe if more people were educated on how to spot a stroke “F.A.S.T.” Ms. Trussell let the guests know that if their Face is drooping, Arms cannot be held up, or their Speech is impeded, it is Time to call 911 immediately to get to a hospital for treatment. Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans, and that stroke is the number five killer, but number one disabler.
The “Queen of Hearts” themed gala was brought to life through décor and actors and dancers with the creative talents of Mike Lees and his team of volunteers. The auction team led by Marcus McKamey and Eddie Grant kept the guests entertained with the many silent auction packages and unique experiences. A highlight of the evening was the Harley Davidson motorcycle that was driven onto the dance floor for auctioneer Luke Potts to lead the bidding, said officials.
Sponsors included Blue Cross Blue Shield of TN Community Trust, Husch Blackwell, Lexus of Chattanooga, Vascular Institute of Chattanooga, M&M Industries, Dillard Construction, SunTrust Bank, Henderson Hutcherson & McCullough, and Merrill Lynch among others.
The 2019 Heart Ball, chaired by Glenn and Suzanne Morris, will be held Feb. 9 at The Chattanoogan Hotel. For more information about tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Shelley Armstrong at 763-4407.
Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter