The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

WHAT started out as an idea by a Hollywood legend is today one of Nassau’s most anticipated charitable events which once again will be held this Valentine’s Day to raise funds for the repair of children’s hearts.

In just a matter of days, guests will be enjoying all the glitz and glamour that the Heart Ball has become known for.

This year’s event marks the 51st anniversary of the Heart Foundation’s ball that will begin at 7pm at the Meliá Nassau Beach Resort.

The foundation has pledged that 97 per cent of each dollar donated will go directly towards heart surgeries for Bahamian children.

According to Ingrid Sears, public relations officer of Heart Ball Committee, they are expecting to raise $350,000 to help the children get the care they need.

The Heart Foundation was established as a living tribute by Evelyn Lady Sassoon following the death of her husband Sir Victor in 1961 to assist Bahamians with heart disease.

Chairman of the foundation, R E Barnes, told Tribune Health hosting a black-tie ball to raise funds for the foundation was an idea given to Lady Sassoon by Hollywood icon Joan Crawford.

“When the foundation started in 1961 Lady Sassoon realised she would need to make other money to keep it going. She had some friends in Hollywood and she managed to do three movie premieres, one of them in Dallas, where she had another residence, and one of them in Nassau. The last one was attended by Joan Crawford, and they were friends. She told Lady Sassoon that ‘you have to be realistic’ and that it was going to be difficult to get movie premieres here in Nassau. She told her to start a ball because that is something people would always love and enjoy. So essentially it was Joan Crawford’s idea,” he said.

At this year’s ball, guests will be treated to fine dining, good fun and entertainment, which will be provided by the Ed Brice Orchestra, the S-G Band and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Dance Band.

Guests can look forward to the possibility of winning raffle prizes, table prizes, auction items, the Salus Project contest and the signature raffle.

The Lady Sassoon Golden Heart Award will also be presented during the time. The award was initiated by the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation to applaud and give recognition to individuals who have selflessly given of themselves to promote human welfare and dignity, thus making life better for their fellow men. In most cases, those persons go beyond the call of duty, working outside of their normal scope of work, to impact our nation’s social, educational, health and economic systems.

Since its inception, the Heart Ball has garnered a huge support from the general public.

“Every year we host the annual Heart Ball we seek to build on the existing platform. Our crowd is growing and we are thankful. We are seeing a diverse crowd and we are thankful to all who have and those who seek to support the annual Heart Ball or the Heart Foundation,” said Ms Sears.

“The public response has been good and we are thankful; we won’t complain. We have been very fortunate. Despite the economic and financial challenges, we did not have to turn any children away. Over the past two to three years we were very happy to see the increase in attendance. We would like to see this trend increase. Additionally, this year we are grateful for the level of corporate sponsorship.”

While the annual Heart Ball will be an exciting experience, Mr Barnes encourages people to continue to show support for the foundation throughout the year, because there are miracles every day where children are concerned.

“We have done a tremendous amount of work over the years,” he said. “We have seen thousands of children, but fortunately not all of them needed surgery. But for the hundreds that have needed surgery we have given them a chance of a full and rewarding life.”