Ball to benefit cardiovascular research

Photo

ROBERT K. YOSAY | THE VINDICATOR: Honored during the American Heart Association 2011 Heart Ball on Feb. 12 will be, from left, Dr. Dominic A. Bitonte, the 2011 Heart of the Community Award honoree, and Dr. Gary A. Young, recipient of the 2011 Cardiac Services Award, who share a moment with Regina Rebhan, a Heart Ball sponsor; and Rachel Barber, event chairwoman.

YOUNGSTOWN

The American Heart Association’s 2011 Heart Ball has been scheduled for Feb. 12 at Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave.

The black-tie event will raise funds for research to combat heart disease and stroke, America’s No. 1 and No. 3 leading causes of death.

During the evening two local physicians who are making strides in both areas will be honored. Recognized for their achievements will be Dr. Gary A. Young, the recipient of the 2011 Cardiac Services Award, and Dr. Dominic Bitonte, recipient of the 2011 Heart of the Community Award.

This year’s event will focus on children with cardiovascular disease and on pediatric research. Throughout the evening there will be live and silent auctions, an “Open Your Heart” appeal for pediatric cardiovascular research, a dinner and dancing.

According to the AHA, approximately 36,000 babies are born each year with a heart defect, and congenital heart defects kill more children under the age of 1 than any other single birth defect. Since 2003 the AHA has committed more than $41.1 million for research that will benefit children.

Rachel Barber of VEC Inc. is the 2011 event chairwoman. Sponsors include Helping Heart Society Partners The Regina M. Rebhan Family Foundation/Warren Fabricating and Machining Corp.; Healing Heart Society Partner St. Elizabeth Heart and Vascular Center, Humility of Mary Health Partners; Diamond Table Sponsor VEC Inc.; Gold Table Sponsors Diagnostic Cardiology Associates, Ohio Heart Institute and John and Michelle Perdue. Underwriting the floral arrangements for the evening is the DeBartolo Corp./Denise and John York.

Tickets are $150 per person, and a portion of the cost is tax-deductible.

For ticket information and details about sponsorship opportunities, contact the AHA at 330-965-9230.