Rochester Heart Ball raises more than $270,000 to improve community health

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The American Heart Association held the annual Rochester Heart Ball Saturday night.

The event, held at the Oak Hill Country Club, celebrated the American Heart Association’s mission and raised more than $270,000.

“It has been an honor to lead the Heart Ball campaign,” said Heart Ball Co-Chairman John Dineen, Executive Vice President at Postler & Jaeckle Corp. "What we are trying to do at the American Heart Association is work with what we’ve identified as great health disparities in our own community here in Rochester, and it’s the goal that working with the community, working with the great people that came out here tonight and their continued support—that we’ll be able to reach that goal of reaching out to those in need."

The black-tie evening featured cocktails, dinner, awards, and a live auction to raise funds and awareness to fight heart diseases and stroke—the number one and number three killers in the Greater Rochester Region.

Funds raised will benefit the Rochester Region through youth programs, worksite wellness initiatives, healthcare quality initiatives, efforts around eliminating health disparities, and continuing medical research.

The American Heart Association notes that the majority of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented if certain risk factors are controlled including obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking. It is also recommended you know your family health history and are physically active for at least 30 minutes a day.

To donate in support of heart and stroke research, advocacy and education through the Heart Ball, or for more information, please click here.