American Heart Association “Heart Ball” to be June 4 With Susan Ford Bales

Susan Ford Bales, daughter of President Gerald R. Ford and Mrs. Betty Ford, will be the keynote speaker at the American Heart Association’s 2013 Grand Rapids Heart Ball on Tuesday, June 4.

One of West Michigan’s preeminent charity events, the Heart Ball will convene corporate, community and medical professionals for an elegant evening while supporting a great cause.

The Red tie gathering will be at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids with a wine tasting and silent auction at 5:30 p.m. followed by a program at 7:00 p.m.

Susan Ford Bales said that the American Heart Association’s work means a great deal to the Ford family. Too many families are touched by heart disease and stroke. Her dad, President Ford, experienced two mini strokes at the 2000 Republican National Convention and eventually underwent angioplasty.  She went on to say, "he and I both had a pacemaker implanted."

The Grand Rapids Heart Ball has raised more than $4 million in funding for research, education and community programs that benefit men, women and children. This year’s campaign goal is $300 thousand.

Doyle Hayes, CEO of the dhayesGroup is co-chair of the event along with Joseph Calvaruso, executive director for the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation.

The Heart Ball is sponsored by the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation, Spectrum Health, Amway and Mercantile Bank. For more information, contact Joanne Stockdale at (616)482-1512 for sponsorship opportunities, tickets or details.