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<p>The American Heart Association (AHA) will host the 22nd Annual Southern Coast Heart Ball on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 6 p.m. at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort &amp; Spa.</p>
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<p>The annual black-tie gala, chaired by Catherine Donaldson of Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty, will celebrate life-saving advances made in the Lowcountry over the last 22 years. Donaldson is chairing in honor of her husband, who served in the U.S. Army Reserves and died of a heart attack in 2016.</p>
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<p>“This year’s theme is very special to the Southern Coast community. It represents our heroes in the community, from our veterans and survivors to our caretakers and first responders, and that is the American Heart Association’s mission, to end heart disease and stroke,” Donaldson said.</p>
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<p>The Southern Coast Heart Ball will bring together more than 400 guests from the corporate, philanthropic and medical communities to celebrate 2018’s accomplishments while raising funds to further the AHA’s mission.</p>
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<p>Guests will enjoy an evening of dining, dancing and live entertainment as well as live and silent auctions.</p>
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<p>The event will celebrate the heart association’s mission, supporters and volunteers while honoring lives saved or improved because of the work of the AHA and the generosity of the Lowcountry and Savannah communities. In addition, guests will hear the story of Lilly Cochran, who was born with several congenital heart defects. The event also will honor her father, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, who had heart disease.</p>
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<p>Thanks to the generosity of local institutions and businesses such as Legacy Sponsor Audi Hilton Head and Signature Sponsor Hilton Head Regional Healthcare, the Heart Ball is able to fund cardiovascular research, professional and public education, school site programs and advocacy efforts throughout the year.</p>
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<p>Despite advancements in the fight against heart disease and stroke, heart disease remains the number one cause of death among U.S. citizens. In South Carolina, strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death. Nationally, nearly 2,200 people die each day from cardiovascular disease, an average of one death every 39 seconds.</p>
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<p>To reserve your seats or for more information about the 22nd Anniversary Southern Coast Heart Ball, visit www.SouthernCoastHeartball.org.</p>
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