Student run ball raises money for heart disease research
Students at the ball pose in front of a canvas made up of student and faculty handprints created during the ball’s first year as part of a “Pledge to Protect a Heart of Gold” orchestrated by Alexandra Love. From left: Gabrielle Hayes, Brianne Kaufman and Laura Bernitsky. Photo by: Celia Glenn
By Alexis Ancel // News Editor
In comparison to more hands-on community service, it can be difficult for those outside the medical field to feel as though they are making a difference combatting various diseases. In an effort to change this, for the past three years High Point University students have organized and held the Protect a Heart of Gold Ball, a formal event that raises awareness and money for heart disease research.
The event was first started by Alexandra Love, an HPU graduate, whose mother was affected by heart disease.
“I wanted to do something that would commemorate my mother, who was the whole reason I have been so impacted by heart disease,” Love said. My mother almost died when I was in middle school from it and the impact that experience had on me will last a lifetime. I never dreamed it would be what it has become today.”
The ball was held on Feb. 12 in accordance with Valentine’s Day and February being the official American heart month. Participation has increased over the years and those involved plan to continue this new tradition in the years to come. This event is affiliated with the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), but all organization and promotion of the ball is entirely student run. Brianne Kaufman took over the planning after Love graduated.
“It’s kind of an eye opener for students to let them know that heart disease is a huge issue and that you need to take care of your body now to take care of issues in the future,” Kaufman said.
In addition to benefitting heart disease research, the Protect a Heart of Gold Ball also serves as an alternative formal for those not involved in Greek Life. The event is open to anyone and all who are interested are encouraged to attend.
“It’s a fun way to get to know people from all parts of the school,” Kaufman said.
With roughly 105 people in attendance this year, including faculty members from the biology department and others, the ball was able to raise $1,050. SGA also made a donation of $1,000 to the cause, bringing their total to roughly $5,000 donated to the American Heart Association over the past three years. Seventy five percent of this money is donated locally within the Triad and 15 percent goes toward research in other parts of the country.
One of the main goals of the event is to not only raise money for research, but to raise awareness of this preventable disease.
“When I dreamed up the idea for the Protect a Heart of Gold project, it was driven by a desire to encourage students and staff to live ‘heart healthy’ lives,” Love said. “My goal was to remind them the importance of prevention and that it begins from a young age.”