(DES MOINES) - Iowa First Lady Chris Branstad will be named "Volunteer of the Year" at the American Heart Association's Des Moines Heart Ball on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015. The Heart Ball celebrates the American Heart Association of Des Moines' work, donors, volunteers and the lives saved because of the group's effort.
"I am honored to have been selected as the American Heart Association's Volunteer of the Year," said First Lady Chris Branstad. "Iowans have always been very generous with their time and charitable giving and it is a pleasure to serve along with other volunteers and staff to help make Iowa a healthier state."
Branstad has been a longtime supporter of the American Heart Association, and for the past two years has served as Chair of the Circle of Red, recruiting 75 members and raising more than $50,000 to improve women's heart health. Circle of Red is a powerful group of women in Central Iowa who are dedicated to raising awareness and funding research, education and advocacy initiatives through the Go Red For Women movement. Branstad will continue to serve as Chair of Circle of Red through the 2015 campaign, and hopes to grow the group to more than 100 members.
According to the American Heart Association, in the past five years, 2010-2014, the American Heart Association has funded 83 studies in Iowa at a cost of $9.4 million.
"Mrs. Branstad has been an invaluable asset in furthering the Go Red For Women movement here in Central Iowa," says Kassi Wessing, Communications Director for the American Heart Association. "Because of Mrs. Branstad's work, more women in Central Iowa know that heart disease and stroke are their greatest health threat, and that 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented."
The Heart Ball is open to the public, but tickets are required. For more information, please visit www.DesMoinesHeartBall.com.
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