We live in a country where 50 million people face a higher risk of heart disease because they lack basic needs including healthy food. A poor diet is the leading contributor to the development of chronic diseases. Nearly 20 percent of the people in the five counties the American Heart Association in Austin serves have low or no access to healthy food, leading to higher incidences of heart disease, stroke and premature death.
The 2024 Austin Heart Ball, held at the JW Marriott Austin, brought hearts together to save lives and strive for equitable health for everyone living throughout Central Texas. With more than $850,000 raised, funds will support the life-saving work of the American Heart Association to fight heart disease and stroke including addressing nutrition security in Austin.
Chairman Eric Gribble from DPR and hosts of the evening, Britt Moreno and Daniel Marin from KXAN, were joined by featured survivor Steve Sarkisian, head football coach at the University of Texas. Nearly 600 guests enjoyed musical entertainment by Texas’ own Josh Abbott Band. The event was a culmination of the Heart of Austin, an American Heart Association initiative that works to equitably improve and save lives from heart disease and stroke.
Funds raised through Heart of Austin and Heart Ball support the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, which aims to reduce barriers to health care access and quality. The American Heart Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization focusing on heart and brain health. For more information on how to support the American Heart Association, visit heart.org.
