Special for IFN

More than 200 attendees enjoyed the third annual Heart of Jazz fundraising event at the Statesville Civic Center Friday evening, raising a record $44,000 for the Iredell Health Foundation’s Heart and Vascular Care Fund.

“We are thrilled and truly grateful for the success of the event and are grateful to have an incredible planning and decorating committee who made this possible.” It was a fun and enjoyable evening that benefited an important cause, and we want to thank everyone who came out to show their support,” said Miles Atkins, executive director of the Iredell Health Foundation.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 375,000 Americans annually. Heart disease is responsible for one in seven deaths in
the United States

The Heart and Vascular Care Fund supports the purchase of new heart and vascular equipment, patient assistance and educational activities. This fund is critical to allowing the Iredell Health System to continue providing state-of-the-art care to heart and vascular patients.

Heart of Jazz, an annual event, features music, food, spirits and dancing. This year’s evening began with a cocktail reception with an open bar and generous hors d’oeuvres. Guests enjoyed piano music played by Dr. Ray Georgeson, cardiologist at Piedmont HealthCare. Dinner was catered by La-Tea-Da’s of Charlotte.

John Green, president and CEO of the Iredell Health System, and Jim Johnston, chairman of the Iredell Health Foundation Board of Directors, welcomed attendees and shared the importance of cardiovascular care. Their remarks were followed by patient testimonials from Anthony Houston, Debbie Mitchell and Frank Cline.

“I was able to return to my hobbies,” said Frank Cline, a heart patient of Dr. DeBerardinis. “It’s kind of like family when you walk into a doctor’s office and they all know you. I have never had a doctor anywhere who had the personality and manner of care of Dr. DeBerardinis. I attribute my presence here to him.

WSIC Radio Publisher and DJ Justin Ckezepis hosted a live auction and raffle. The evening ended with dancing and music from the talented group N-Spire.

SPONSORS

The event was made possible thanks to the generosity of sponsors and donors. Event sponsors included Kathy and Chad Percy, Bob and Sandy Fotsch, deBotech, L. Gordon Iron & Metal, Kewaunee Scientific, Rowdy Armistead, Mooresville Realty & Princeton Homes, McCulloch England Architects, Piedmont Healthcare, Revels Contracting, CR Onsrud and Framing at all four corners.

About the Iredell Health Foundation

The Iredell Health Foundation is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization responsible for philanthropy for the Iredell Health System. It supports system programs and services through donor-centered fundraising. The Foundation focuses on raising community awareness of specific programs that require funding and provides individuals and organizations hoping to make a difference and leave a legacy the opportunity to address local health needs of their choosing. To learn more or to donate, visit www.iredellhealthfoundation.org or call 704-878-7669.

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