Heart Ball Committee members: Seated: (L-R) Elsa Johnson-Mackenzie, Lady Sheila Butler (Co-chair), Ingrid Sears (PR), Maria Symonette Standing: (L-R) Rosemarie Thompson, Michelangiolo Baccelli, Alexandria Newbold (Co-chair), Portia Nottage (Co-Chair), Nadia Campbell (Co-chair), Marilyn Cambridge, Claire Howorth, Inez Johnson, Coretta Owen, Linda Lafleur (Treasurer) Missing: Sue Riding, Rochelle Sealy, Charmaine Miller, Zelia Bethel, Barbara Sawyer, Marilyn Dean, Natasha Lightbourne, Marilyn Dean, Valerie Clarke

Under the theme, “Give a gift of life – Preserve a Heart”, the Heart Ball Committee will host the 46^th Annual Heart Ball at Sheraton Nassau, on February 13, 2010, 7:15 p.m.  One of the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of The Lady Sassoon Golden Heart Award to an individual who would have been nominated for promoting human welfare and dignity. Nominations can be submitted until January 15, 2010.

Ms. Ingrid Sears, PR, said, “Despite hard economic times, The Heart Ball Committee is up to the challenge, particularly so, because people, primarily children need our help to survive. Additionally, I am confident that corporate Bahamas and the general public will step up and help us to preserve a heart”.

The Heart Ball committee is the fundraising arm of The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation. The Heart Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1961 by Lady Evelyn Sassoon to assist persons in need, with heart care.

Today, The Heart Foundation primarily assists the children of The Bahamas, who are medically challenged, specifically those who are born with heart defects. The Heart Foundation gives support and understanding to parents and families for heart care, whether in hospitals in The Bahamas or in Florida. One of goals of The Heart Foundation is to not turn anyone away. Additionally, The Heart Foundation works in conjunction with The Bahamas Heart Association to preventively educate and inform people about heart care and heart healthy lifestyles.

Since its inception, The Heart Foundation has helped over 4,000 patients to obtain heart care. Despite The Heart Foundation’s best efforts and the increase in number of local cardiologist and equipment, there is still a need to raise funds to assist children of The Bahamas receive heart care locally and at hospitals abroad.

Each year, The Heart Ball Committee hosts two major fundraising events: The Heart Ball and The Annual Tea Party & Fashion Show. Other fundraising activities include the giving of heart bracelets, and benefit performance in exchange for a donation. In addition, The Heart Foundation accepts gifts, memorial donations and tax-deductible donations. No amount is ever too small. These events and activities do not discriminate based on age, gender, race, ethnicity or other. All are welcome to participate. 

The Foundation runs primarily on a voluntary and contributory basis. Being a non-profit organization, The Heart Foundation relies heavily on the generosity of others to meet their goals and encourage Bahamians to lend their support, especially in these tough economic times.

For information on ticket purchases or donations please contact The Heart Foundation at telephone number 242-327-0806.

A Call for Nominations: The Lady Sassoon “Golden Heart Award”