NEW ORLEANS – Heart N Hands, the New Orleans-based nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and heart disease prevention among young girls aged 10 -18, is excited to announce its 10th Anniversary Love Your Heart Gala. This milestone celebration will take place on Sept. 21 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in New Orleans.
The gala will commence with a VIP Patron Party from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by the main event from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. This special evening aims to honor the organization’s decade-long commitment to promoting heart health and to raise funds to support its ongoing initiatives.
“We are delighted to celebrate this significant milestone with our community and supporters,” said Essence Harris Banks, CEO & founder of Heart N Hands. “The Love Your Heart Gala is not only a celebration of our achievements but also a crucial fundraiser to continue our mission of educating and empowering young girls to lead heart-healthy lives and put an end to the number one killer of women – heart disease.”
Essence Harris Banks created the organization when she was celebrating 10 years as a heart disease survivor in 2014. After her diagnosis of coronary artery disease at age 30, Essence felt compelled to share her story with women and girls in the community as she noticed the lack of awareness of the risk factors for heart disease.
“At this celebration, we will reflect on the work we have done over the years and have fun while doing it! Heart Disease remains the No. 1 Killer of women in the United States, so we really need the support of the public to attend our event and the generosity of local businesses to contribute,” Banks says. “By starting early and providing girls with heart-related information, educational tools, and support to sustain a heart-healthy lifestyle, we are empowering them to take their heart health into their own hands. These girls will become the next generation of caregivers, mothers, consumers, and leaders in our communities and nation. Heart N Hands was designed with this in mind, providing them an opportunity to significantly reduce their risk of heart disease and fostering long-term well being. The more we raise, the more girls we can reach, the more lives we save!”
To date, Heart N Hands has educated over 7,500 young girls and their families and trained over 100 girls in hands-only CPR.
“Focusing on fitness and nutrition for girls is essential, as it lays the foundation for lifelong health and well-being,” said Nina Balan, Ph.D., CPT, Heart N Hands Board Member and Fitness Expert. “By instilling healthy habits early on, we empower them to take control of their heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.”
The evening will feature a cocktail reception, gourmet bites, live entertainment, and a silent auction. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear inspiring stories from beneficiaries of Heart N Hands’ programs and learn more about the impact of their contributions.
| Event Details Date: Saturday, Sept. 21 Location: Royal Sonesta Hotel, New Orleans Time: VIP Patron Party: 6 – 7 p.m. (Hotel Courtyard) Gala: 7 – 10 p.m. |
Tickets: www.eventbrite.com
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