The American Heart Association’s (AHA) annual Lebanon Heart Ball will be held virtually this year rather than in-person.
The ball, which has traditionally been held at Lebanon Valley College, was originally planned for April 17 at the Historic Acres of Hershey. The choice to switch to a virtual event was made based on the current CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19 — specifically, the recommendations for Pennsylvania and Lebanon County.
ABC27 anchor Alicia Richards will be hosting the 1980s-prom-themed event, dubbed “Stronger Hearts.” The virtual event will be held on Thursday, June 11, from 8-9:30 p.m. You can reserve your spot online here by clicking “Check In To Zoom!”
Registration closes June 10, and an RSVP is required to attend.
“We are excited to lead this year’s Heart Ball,” said 2020 co-chairs Dave and Kristine Warner in a press release. “We have been involved with the American Heart Association for many years and wanted to support the great work they do right here in Lebanon County. Even though the coronavirus has shifted our plans from an in-person event to a virtual one, we know now, more than ever how important it is to support the AHA and their life-saving mission.”
Those who attend the virtual ball will be able to celebrate those who have and are battling heart disease and stroke. There will also be a silent auction and select speakers over the course of the event.
The event will specifically recognize and celebrate the recovery of Liam Balmer, a child congenital heart defect survivor. Liam’s congenital heart defect is called transposition of the great arteries. Just a few days after he was born, Liam underwent open-heart arterial switch surgery at Penn State Children’s Hospital.
Mark and Sara Balmer, Liam’s parents, will share their family’s journey at this year’s virtual event.
The annual Lebanon Heart Ball emphasizes the importance of scientific research and programs that preserve and safeguard the cardiovascular health of the community. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the AHA.
The event is being underwritten by WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital and supported by UPMC Pinnacle, Lebanon Anesthesia Associates, Bell & Evans, Candoris, AT&T, Fulton Bank, Lebanon Farmers Market, Leitzel’s Jewelry, Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster, Ebersole, Inc., and Jonestown Bank & Trust Company.
For additional event information, visit lebanonheartball.heart.org and follow #LebanonHeartBall on social media.
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Full Disclosure: David Warner has a financial interest in the ownership of LebTown’s parent company Lebanon Publishing Company. He has no involvement in editorial operations, including this article.