Jackson Free Press

The American Heart Association's Metro Jackson Heart Ball is both a fundraiser and an opportunity to promote the organization and its mission: to improve cardiovascular health and reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease. This year, the 37th annual ball is Jan. 30.

Known until this year as the Art for Heart Ball, the black-tie event will feature silent and live art auctions showcasing works by a number of artists including Lucy Mazzaferro, William Goodman, Paul Edelstein, Ginny Futvoye, Andrew Bucci and Ken Tate. Patrons who purchase tickets at the Heart Society and Benefactor levels get to view the featured art Jan. 15 at a preview party. The band Coop D'Belle performs at the ball.

The Jackson chapter of the AHA works year round to raise community awareness, as well as fund research to combat heart disease and stroke. Michelle Alexander, Heart Ball director, says the need for such efforts within the state is especially great given that Mississippi ranks high for certain factors that contribute to heart disease such as obesity.

"We've got to do our part here to raise the money to help people be healthier," she says.

Since it began, the ball has raised $6.3 million with last year's event bringing in more than $400,000. Sponsors for the 2015 ball include Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi and Ergon Inc.

"We encourage everybody to come support this event because they're directly supporting the Heart Association and, thereby, helping all of our citizens to be healthier and more successful," Alexander says.

The Metro Heart Ball is 6:30-11 p.m. on Jan. 30 at the Country Club of Jackson (345 St. Andrews Drive). Tickets for two are available at the heart society level ($2,500), benefactor level ($1,000), and patron level ($500). Individual tickets are $250. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 601-321-1200 or visit metrojacksonheartball.ahaevents.org.