Having a Ball for cardiac care
Guests dined, danced and bid to their hearts’ content at the Downtown Volkswagen Save a Heart Ball Saturday, November 14, 2009. 412 guests attended the sold-out event, which raised funds in support of the Northern Cardiac Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. A record $43,000 was raised to help expand angioplasty services. In its four-year history, the Ball has raised over $140,000.
“More than ever before, people were eager to be part of the Downtown Volksawgen Save a Heart Ball this year. It’s very encouraging to see this level of support when cardiac care is so important to our community,” says Vince Mirabelli, event chair. Mirabelli is the driving force behind the event, which he began four years ago in recognition of the cardiac care his father received at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
The elegant event allows people to support growing cardiac service and also to celebrate the major advances to cardiac care realized to this point. “Fundraising efforts like this have been instrumental to the great success of our cardiology program,” says cardiologist and event co-chair Dr. Frank Nigro. “The proceeds have allowed the purchase of advanced cardiac equipment and at the same time, provided patients rapid access to life-saving cardiac services right here at home.”
Cardiac services will expand with the addition of a second cardiac catheterization lab at our Health Sciences Centre. With it will come 24/7 access to emergency angioplasty service. Immediate access during or following a heart attack saves lives. The Foundation is committed to raising the funds required to support the expansion.
“We are proud to be part of such a meaningful endeavour,” says Lida Mascarin of title sponsor Downtown Volkswagen. “As a local business, we believe it’s important to contribute to the well-being of our community.”
“I can’t offer enough praise to the volunteers, sponsors and staff who made the Downtown Volkswagen Save a Heart Ball possible. Their efforts will impact many lives for years to come,” Mirabelli notes.
To make a donation in support of expanded angioplasty at our Health Sciences Centre, please contact the Health Sciences Foundation at (807) 345-4673 or visit www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca
Together, we are bringing cardiac care closer to home.
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For further information, please contact:
Tracie Smith
Senior Communications Officer
Tel: 807-684-7111 Cell: 807-621-9438
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