FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2000 HEART BALL SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 4, 2000
AHA Gala Features Mardi Gras Theme and is Sponsored By Wells Fargo Bank

(February 1, 2000 - Albuquerque, NM) The American Heart Association and Wells Fargo Bank present the 2000 Heart Ball, an elegant evening of fine dining and dancing to be held on Saturday, March 4, 2000 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Other major sponsors of this year's event include the Heart Hospital of New Mexico and Presbyterian Healthcare Services as Diamond Heart Sponsors and Isleta Gaming Palace as a Gold Heart Sponsor. For a complete list of sponsors, please visit the Heart Ball web site at www.HeartBall-nm.org.

The Heart Ball is a black tie gala that has become the premier formal event in Albuquerque. It also supports lifesaving research, public education and community programs for the American Heart Association. Over 80 percent of the proceeds of this exciting affair will benefit New Mexicans. Last year, the Heart Ball raised over $90,000. This year, the goal is to break the $100,000 barrier.

For the second year in a row, the Heart Ball will incorporate a theme. This year's "Mardi Gras" theme will be reflected in the decorations, menu and entertainment aspects of the event. As an alternative to traditional black tie attire, attendees are encouraged to wear costumes. There will even be a "King's Cake," a traditional symbol at Mardi Gras celebrations that is used to pick the evening's King and Queen.

To create the proper mood, a traditional Dixieland Jazz Band will lead a parade into the ballroom. Once again, "Bo Whittaker and his Band of Enchantment" will provide the music. Mr. Whittaker, originally from New Zealand, spent 25 years on the road with show bands and has made his home in New Mexico for the past 15 years. His band plays Swing, Latin, Jazz and Big Band music.

The 2000 Heart Ball begins at 6:30 PM with a Silent Auction featuring many items representing the best of New Mexico. This impressive list includes weekend getaways, original artwork, gift certificates to some of the best restaurants in Albuquerque and more! A live auction will also be held in the Ballroom after Dinner, which begins at 8:00 PM. This year, the auctioneers are Dr. Dan Friedman of the Presbyterian Heart Group and heart disease survivor John Forsythe of KOB radio's "John & The Bean" show. A complete list of auction items can be previewed on the Heart Ball web site at www.HeartBall-nm.org.

Heart Disease is the number one killer of New Mexicans and this is the largest fundraising event in New Mexico to battle this illness. The volunteer Chairperson for this year's Heart Ball, Lynn Haynes, of Presbyterian Healthcare Services, has set the 2000 goal at $115,000, which is raised mostly through sponsorships and individual ticket sales. The net proceeds from the event will fund cardiovascular research and education in New Mexico.

We hope you will join the American Heart Association and Wells Fargo Bank at the Heart Ball to fight heart disease in New Mexico. To purchase tickets for this event or to become a sponsor, please call the American Heart Association at 823-8700. Individual tickets are priced at $100 and sponsorships begin at $1500. Complete details and on-line ticket sales are available on the Heart Ball web site at www.HeartBall-nm.org. Thank you for your support.

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With more than four million volunteers, the American Heart Association is the largest voluntary health organization fighting heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. The American Heart Association spent about $327 million during fiscal year 1998-99 on research support, public and professional education, and community programs.

This year's Heart Ball Committee includes the following committee chairs:

Lynn Haynes, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Chair
Governor Gary Johnson, Patron Chair
Nicole Marlowe, Presbyterian Healthplex, Auction Chair
Vickie Maji-Takei, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Decorations Chair
Lori Liebman, Manor Care Health Services, Entertainment Chair
Maureen Keleher, PNM, Mailings Chair
Howard Lewis, Menu Chair
Sheldon Liebman, L&S Marketing, Publicity Chair
Shirley Fisk, Val-Pack of Albuquerque, Business Sponsorship/Table Sales Chair
Samra Chapman, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Medical Sponsorship/Table Sales Chair
David Swope, The Frame Game, Past Chair, Advisor

Other committee members:

Tracy Baczkiewicz
Alex Bohl
Shelly Bohl
Jackie Bregman
Joe Buffalino
Katherine Cooper
Nica Friedman
Miriam Gagne
Lynda Hagman
Melissa Harris
Laura Lewis
Gregg Marlowe
Glenn McWilliams
Stephanie Michnovicz
Kimber Oliver
Dang Teater
Shirley Warren
Bo Whittaker

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