Heart of Avita Ball

2024 Heart of Avita Ball

The inaugural Heart of Avita Ball sponsored by Park National Bank was an incredible success. It was amazing to see the community and heart program stakeholders come together to support Avita Heart and the continued health of its community. The event included 227 attendees who filled 28 tables, live and silent auction with the wine country tour gift successful bid coming in at $5,750, an incredible band, LED light tambourines, and the debut of the Avita Nurses and Friends Choir. All of these supported event raised more than $42,000. The people and businesses who donate time and money to make this a success were so wonderful to see! The incredible auction items, the sponsorships, those who attended and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and the 73 Heart Heroes who contributed more into the night made for one magical and successful event. We couldn’t have accomplished so much without the support of our friends and businesses in our community.

Valentine’s-themed decorations in the silent auction room, including a large back drop for photos, beautiful table settings, and magical drapes and lights transformed Westbrook Country Club when the event took place on Saturday, February 17. Cardiologists Dr. Joseph Mayo and Dr, Michael Davis co-chaired the ball and introduced life-saving stories and videos of three recent heart patients. Cathy Sapp also shared a heart-felt story of a hospice and palliative care patient that warmed every heart. So warm in fact that an instant $12,500 was raised from guests who raised their paddles in support.

It was our first Heart Ball and first black-tie event at the hospital in more than 40 years. Every year community support and generosity continues to grow. It’s been amazing! The Heart of Avita Ball was one of the most visual examples of how Avita Health Foundation and community advocates for its local health-care provider and the extraordinary services they provide and their ability to provide life-changing services.

Having advocates in the community that have had lifesaving or life-changing experiences at Avita and are willing to share those great experiences with the community has been extremely helpful. The testimonials shared, physicians’ comments, and incredible expression of pride delivered by the Avita Nurse Choir at the event was so important to share with all the guests as it raises awareness of all the great things that go on at each and every day at Avita.

The Avita Health Foundation has been vital to spreading the word about Avita Health System, building awareness of the services the hospital offers, and raising money to support the hospital’s continued investments in capital and services for the community and patients. The community support that the Heart of Avita Ball embodies, is something very special and will be counted on to help support the growing health needs of Avita today and in the future. You can still contribute to the heart program!

For more information, contact Chuck Cangelosi, Chief Development Officer at ccangelosi@avitahs.org or Cathy Sapp, Executive Director of Avita Home Health & Hospice at csapp@avitahs.org.