Heart Ball proves a success

Staff report

LIBERTY

The annual Tri-County Heart Ball, themed “The Red Party,” recently took place at the MetroPlex Expo Center and was attended by more than 250 of the Mahoning Valley’s physicians, philanthropists, volunteers and community members. Attendees wore red to celebrate local survivors and volunteers.

The event raised $180,000 for the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke, which are the No. 1 and No. 5 killers of all Americans. “The funds generated make such an impact in Youngstown and surrounding areas because more than 40 percent of the adult population has high cholesterol; almost 30 percent have high blood pressure; and nearly 25 percent use tobacco products,” said Andrew D. Thompson, chairman of the 2018 Heart Ball and vice president of Thompson Insurance Group.

Honorees for the evening were 83-year-old Dolores Iannucci and 3-year-old Gabriella Davies. Iannucci, the 1956 Miss New Jersey titleholder, survived both a heart attack and a stroke. She was recognized for her commitment to the mission of the AHA for more than 20 years.

The Heart Ball is the AHA’s premier social event to celebrate survivors and the lifesaving achievements of local physicians, philanthropists and volunteers committed to helping the association fulfill its national goal to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent and to reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke by 20 percent by the year 2020.

Proceeds are used to support research, professional and public education, school programs and advocacy efforts in Ohio throughout the year.

Top sponsors included Thompson Private Client Services, a subsidiary of Thompson Insurance Group; Mercy Health; and 33-WYTV. Donations continue to be accepted at www.youngstownheartball.heart.org.