Des Moines, Jan. 18, 2013 – In 2012, five metro schools were awarded American Heart Association Teaching Gardens, a cross-curriculum project aimed at teaching elementary school students the importance of nutrition and exercise. In the spring of 2013, five more schools will add gardens, meaning that Des Moines leads the country in Teaching Garden placement.
The 20th Annual Des Moines Heart Ball will celebrate this and other local successes when it is held on Saturday, February 16 at the Embassy Suites.
“One-third of Iowa kids are overweight or obese,” says Paula Correy, Chief Customer Officer, Senior Vice President at HyVee and President-Elect of the Greater Des Moines American Heart Association Board of Directors. “For the first time in decades, our kids aren’t expected to live as long as us. That’s why we’re focusing on prevention and placing more Teaching Gardens. We need to give children and families the tools they need to be healthy.”
Des Moines’ premier black-tie gala also will feature live and silent auctions of unique packages such as a “Car for all Seasons” that includes four three-month leases of a luxury vehicle from Willis Automotive. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the local work of the American Heart Association, which includes funding research at the University of Iowa – an institution that receives more association funding than any other in the country.
Dinner and dancing will follow the program. Pianopalooza, dueling piano artists will provide entertainment.
Event Details
- 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013
- Embassy Suites, Des Moines
- Tickets are $250 each
- Includes silent auction, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, live auction, dinner and dancing with music by Pianopalooza
- Visit www.DSMHeartBall.org or call 515-246-4580 for details and tickets
Alexson Calahan
Communications Director
515-246-4581
alexson.calahan@heart.org
