Ignite, The Coachella Valley Heart Ball 2013, was presented by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. The Gala was titled “A Supreme Evening for the Heart”. The featured entertainer was Mary Wilson of The Supremes singing group. The event was held at the Westin Mission Hills Resort Spa in the grand ballroom on April 6th.
The 2013 Heart Ball honoree was Bill Stark, Past president of the American Heart Association, Coachella Valley Division and he is the Current President of the Mended Hearts organization. He spoke about his heart disease and said he was so grateful to the Heart Association for helping stay alive. Barry Hackshaw presented Bill Stark with the trophy.
Dan McGrath was the event emcee.
Both men spoke about the strides made in heart disease with the help of the Heart Association. The automated External Defibrillators has saved many lives. The Advanced surgical techniques, pace makers, artificial heart valves, cardiac stents and so many medical break throughs can be attributed to the American Heart Association. One of the new things they are focusing on is obesity in children which leads to heart problems later in life. They are concentrating on education and awareness in schools and in the home.
Mary Wilson of The Supremes took to the stage. After her first number she asked all the ladies to come on stage and sing with her. The stage was filled with women in red dresses singing Stop in the Name of Love. How exciting to be able to sing with someone of Wilson’s caliber. Wilson sang many of the songs made famous by The Supremes.
