AHA has raised $285K to date

NEWPORT – The American Heart Association’s Heart Ball has raised more than half of its targeted $500,000 for research and education funding.
So far, the ball has raised $285,000 and confirmed 300 guests will attend, said Dr. Rajiv Kumar, founder and CEO of Providence-based ShapeUp RI and chairman of the ball. Organizers expect to raise another $150,000 on the June 13, night of the event, through the auction and night-of giving. The AHA is hoping for another $65,000 in pledges beforehand to reach its goal.
On the night of the Heart Ball on June 13 at the Marble House, Annika, a 7-year-old with congenital heart defects, and her family will share their journey to help build awareness of congenital heart defects and raise funds for research to save lives.
As the 2015 “Little Heart Hero Ambassador” with her “super siblings” Avery and Ashton, Annika is one of the roughly eight in 1,000 children born with a congenital heart defect each year in the United States – the most frequent birth defect, according to AHA.
The ball this year is inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” the 1865 novel written by Lewis Carroll. The event features dinner, dancing and a live auction at the Marble House.
“The American Heart Association is committed to preventing and curing heart disease in both children and adults, and our organization shares this important mission,” said Dr. Kumar. “ShapeUp is proud to make a significant financial contribution to this worthy cause, and I’m personally honored to serve as the chairman of this year’s campaign.”
To donate in support of research and education through the Heart Ball or for more information about the event, visit www.sneheartball.ahaevents.org or call 401-228-2326.

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