On June 9, the American Heart Association brought the Greater Cincinnati Heart Ball to its guests through a digital experience and interactive program. Thanks to the amazing support of presenting sponsor, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Heart Ball attendees bid on exciting experiential auction packages, heard important messages about the work of the AHA, and were treated to a special performance from seven-time Grammy-winning country trio, Lady A. NFL legend and Cincinnati favorite, Anthony Munoz, served as emcee of this special evening.
The Heart Ball is an annual celebration of the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association. Funds raised through the Heart Ball allow the AHA to implement programs and initiatives that address our community’s most urgent health concerns.
“I have learned so much about the association and how it funds cardiovascular research through its outstanding execution of our region’s top fundraising events,” explains John Mongelluzzo, board chairman and partner-in-charge at Calfee, Halter & Griswold. “This past year, I am particularly proud and excited about the broader scope of what the AHA is accomplishing in response to COVID-19 and addressing health equity for all.”
Despite all the health challenges and uncertainty the pandemic brought, heart disease and stroke remain the number one and five killers. Life expectancy varies greatly depending upon zip code. In Greater Cincinnati, there is a 17-year life expectancy gap from neighborhood to neighborhood.
At the onset of COVID-19, the AHA quickly established 21 rapid research grants totaling $2.5 million to fast-track scientific research to better understand COVID-19 and its interaction with cardiovascular diseases. Because those affected by heart disease and stroke are at high risk for complications from COVID-19, (even higher risk for diverse populations), this immediate response was extraordinary.
In addition to COVID research, the AHA has doubled its commitment to driving equitable health with an emphasis where the need is greatest -- women’s health, elimination of tobacco and vaping, high blood pressure reduction and healthy living, with emphasis on increasing food access and building mental resilience.
Mongelluzzo shares, “Locally, we are working to ensure that all our neighbors have equal access to care, and we are tackling health disparities by meeting people where they are.” This is done through programs like:
These are just a few of the ongoing programs and the AHA is continually adding more.
Mongelluzzo says, “I have never been prouder to be part of the American Heart Association than I am today. My hope is to help give others a better understanding of the breadth of the AHA’s work and that people will recognize the association as a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
We are pleased to announce our 2022 Heart of Greater Cincinnati Campaign and Heart Ball gala will be chaired by Melvin J. Gravely, II, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of TriVersity Construction Company, a Cincinnati based commercial construction company and his wife, Dr. Chandra Gravely, a gynecologist, at UC Health. Mel and Chandra will be honoring Pete Strange, Chairman Emeritus, Messer Construction.