Since its inception, the local American Heart Association affiliate has poured more than $24 million into Arkansas' research labs and classrooms, offices and clinics. Those dollars don't raise themselves. So on Feb. 7 the local association office held the 29th consecutive Heart Ball inside the Wally Allen Ballroom of the Statehouse Convention Center.
In attendance were former Gov. Mike and Ginger Beebe, banker George and Linda Gleason, Entergy chief Hugh and Michelle McDonald, marketing monarchs Millie Ward and Larry Stone, former Razorbacks tight end D.J. Williams and immediate past and current event co-chairmen Adam and Kristie Mitchell and Steve and Marci Warren.
As has been the case for nearly 20 years, the evening was the occasion to promenade the Sweethearts, a group of high school sophomores who've dedicated themselves to volunteer work. Nearly 80 girls were presented this year. Among these, nine performed 100 volunteer hours or more and for it received Silver Service recognition, while the Warrens' daughter Sydney logged 161 hours, more than any other Sweetheart, and for it received the Sotomora Service Award.
Perhaps the biggest recognition was bestowed on Sarah Rech, named the fifth Allison Justiss Sweetheart Scholarship winner and awarded $5,000.
This year's presentation was substantially longer than last year's, when there were fewer than 60 girls. "Doing a presentation of that many girls and making it not such a long evening, making it an enjoyable evening, the choreography and planning that went into the actual sweetheart presentation -- paid off," said Tammy Quick, who directs the program.
The organization also honored the Beebes for their contributions directly to health care in the state, and Hugh McDonald and Entergy for their long-standing support.
High Profile on 02/15/2015