Chairman, Howard Gruverman remarked, “I am delighted to attend this very special evening in support of the American Heart Association.  Every 30 seconds, a family in the US in stricken by heart disease or stroke.  Through prevention and research, we are working to bring this number down.”

Celebrating more than four decades of success, refined history and widespread recognition, the American Heart Association’s Miami Heart & Stroke Ball holds a place in the local spotlight as one of the most continuous and prestigious charity events in Miami.

American Heart Association's Broward Heart Ball, "A Red Hot Affair" with Lifesaving Purpose
Legendary singer Diana Ross and renowned comedian Frank Caliendo to perform

Established as a premier event of the Broward County social season, the American Heart Association’s annual Broward Heart Ball continues to pave the way for continued heart disease and stroke research, education and community programs. The prestigious, black-tie gala will be held on Saturday, May 5 at the Westin Beach Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale beginning at 6:30 p.m. Following the success of the 2011 event, which attracted more than 400 guests and raised $690,000 net, guests of the 2012 event can expect the same in ambiance, hospitality and entertainment.

In fact, the American Heart Association is pleased to announce that American signer, record producer and actress Diana Ross, most famous as the lead singer of the Motown group The Supremes in the 1960, will provide live entertainment. Stand up comedian Frank Caliendo will serve as the Master of Ceremonies and will entertain the approximately 500 guests with a twenty to thirty minute act. Patriot National Insurance Group is the Signature Sponsor of the Broward Heart Ball and is graciously underwriting both performances. Steven M. Mariano, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Patriot National Insurance Group, is the event Chairman for the second consecutive year.

“All these months later and we’re still feeling the momentum from the 2011 Broward Heart Ball,” Mariano said. “Guests thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of such a notable cause and left the event with memories of a fabulous experience. With superb entertainment again this year, we have high expectations for another milestone turnout and financial success that will lead to greater advancements in the fields of cardiology and neurology. The need is great with heart disease and stroke as the No. 1 and No. 4 killers of American men and women.”

Featuring the theme “A Red Hot Affair”, the Heart Ball will feature a spectacular silent and live auction, with an assortment of unique items and experiences – everything from high-end jewelry to extravagant destination packages to designer home furnishings, sports memorabilia and more. Chairmen of the auction is Christine Rosen.

Heart Ball guests will enjoy sumptuous hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail and silent auction reception followed by a multi-course gourmet dinner in the grand ballroom. Throughout the stage presentation, they’ll be granted a first-hand glimpse of the importance of the American Heart Association here at home and across the nation. Each year, the Broward Heart Ball unites hearts and hope, drawing together members of the philanthropic, corporate, civic, and medical communities who graciously give from the heart for the heart.

“It’s an honor to be associated with such a tremendous organization and such gracious donors who support the mission of the American Heart Association, said Mariano. “Collectively we embrace the true vision of saving lives in our community and making the places we live, work and frequent more heart-healthy.”

2012 Broward Heart Ball Executive Cabinet members include: John Brant – Patriot National Insurance Group, Gale Butler – AutoNation, Pablo A. Guzman, M.D. – Holy Cross Hospital, Don Lynn – Shutts & Bowen, Michelle Nicastro – PNC Wealth Management, Jim Norton – Lifestyle Magazines, Tim O’Toole – VITAS Healthcare, Christopher Pizzo – Patriot National Insurance Group, Ben Pressentin – BB&T, Lon Rosen – One Beat CPR, Phil Winter – Nova Southeastern University, and “Open Your Heart” Chairman, Carlos Castresana – Wells Fargo Insurance Services.

Through the tireless work of more than 22.5 million volunteers nationwide, the American Heart Association funds innovative research, fights for stronger public health policies, and provides lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases. The organization is the nation’s leader in CPR education and has funded more than $3.3 billion in overall cardiovascular research since 1949 including funding 12 Nobel Prize winners during their careers. Local impact has included research grants designated to area universities including Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Miami Heart Institute, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Nova Southeastern University, Scripps Florida, South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education, Inc., and the University of Miami.

In addition to working closely with Heart Ball supporters, over recent years the American Heart Association has introduced a new component to the Broward Heart Ball – Heart Society campaign. The Young Professionals group, known as PULSE, is the backbone behind the Open Your Heart component of the Heart Ball, which is a moment reflective on the mission of the organization through a survivor testimonial. PULSE members have contributed to the campaign and have led fundraising efforts through the PULSE signature event, “The Red Hot Party”, held on March 1.The 2012 PULSE initiative is sponsored by Signature Sponsor, One Beat CPR, and Celebrity Sponsor, Andre Johnson and the Andre Johnson Charitable Foundation. PULSE Chairmen are Romina Sifuentes, Sara Shake, and Jamie Shock.

The American Heart Association’s yearlong activities in the Broward County community also include the annual Heart Walk, which has grown to 8,000 people and is held each Spring at Nova Southeastern University, and the annual Go Red For Women Luncheon Celebration & Love Your Heart Workshops, held each Fall with an emphasis on education women that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women and empowering women to take charge of their heart by paying an yearly visit to their doctor, eating healthy and maintaining a regular exercising regime.

Through Go Red For Women, a public call to action exists in an effort to improve the cardiovascular health of all women. For example, the HEART for Women Act is legislation before Congress to improve screening and treatment of heart disease in women. Nearly 30,000 messages have been sent to Capitol Hill in support of the bill via www.yourethecure.org.

The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines program is a hospital-based quality-improvement program designed to ensure that hospitals consistently care for cardiac and stroke patients following the most up-to-date guidelines and recommendations.

Howard Gruverman, Chairman of the American Heart Association’s South Florida Board of Directors, said the workings of the American Heart Association play out each and every day whether at a social event, through local, statewide or federal legislation, at CPR training centers, or in hospitals and other medical facilities.

“We simply couldn’t make the end roads we need to make without the support of everyone who joins the American Heart Association in its strategic effort to dramatically improve America’s cardiovascular health,” Gruverman said.

The American Heart Association recognizes the following top sponsors for their commitment to the 2012 Broward Heart Ball: Signature Sponsor – Patriot National Insurance Group, and Gold Society Sponsors – Holy Cross Hospital, VITAS Healthcare, The Bonar Family, ATAS Insurance Services, Vikaran Solutions, MCRS, and Colodny Fass Talenfeld Karlinsy Abate, P.A.  Lifestyle Magazines are the media sponsor and beverages are underwritten by Southern Wine & Spirits. Sponsorship opportunities and table seatings range from $5,000 to $75,000. For further information, call 954-492-6909 or visit www.heart.org/browardflheartball.

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About the American Heart Association  

The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases – America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.