How you can take part in the first virtual Dayton Heart Ball

One of the region’s biggest fundraisers, the American Heart Association’s , has decided to move forward by moving online.
The Dayton Heart Ball was held Saturday, March 23, 2019 at the Sinclair Ponitz Center. The American Heart Association event highlighted the community working together in the Dayton area to fight against heart disease and stroke. TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

The Dayton Heart Ball was held Saturday, March 23, 2019 at the Sinclair Ponitz Center. The American Heart Association event highlighted the community working together in the Dayton area to fight against heart disease and stroke. TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

The coronavirus has canceled many fun events planned this spring, but some of those events provide much more than a good time. Many nonprofits depend upon galas and gatherings to also provide much needed annual funding. As these events are postponed or canceled, those crucial donations are lost, too.

This year, the American Heart Association decided to embrace the new normal, and go virtual for this year's Dayton Heart Ball.

Since 1924, the American Heart Association has been advocating for heart health, and today, fighting the coronavirus outbreak is part of that mission. The AHA is on the front lines of COVID-19 research and in studying the impact on those with heart disease.

>> Read More: COVID-19 doesn't stand a chance against these Dayton businesses.

To continue doing this important work, local AHA organizers are asking the Dayton community to participate in the 25th annual Heart Ball from home.

“Now, more than ever, we’re all looking for ways to connect with others and stay positive,” said Jeri Ward, Heart Ball director for the Miami Valley Division of the AHA. “This virtual format allows everyone to enjoy a fun evening at home with family while supporting our lifesaving mission.”

>> Read More: Downtown club to reopen with drag queen car hops, cocktails and food

The Dayton Heart Ball was held Saturday, March 23, 2019 at the Sinclair Ponitz Center. The American Heart Association event highlighted the community working together in the Dayton area to fight against heart disease and stroke. TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

icon to expand image

Credit: Tom Gilliam

The first-ever virtual auction for the Dayton Heart Ball begins Saturday, April 18, and runs through Friday, April 24. Everyone will have the opportunity to support the AHA by bidding online for the unique gifts and experiences they have curated.

>> Read More: Local wholesaler turns to selling veggies and fruits directly to public

The accompanying Heart Ball event will take place on April 25 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. This year, you’re invited to dress up but stay put, and enjoy the Heart Ball from the comfort of your own home.

You can register for the auction and event, to place bids, attend, volunteer, donate or sponsor at daytonheartball.heart.org.

>> Read More: EVENT CANCELLATIONS: What's canceled or postponed in area due to coronavirus concerns.

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