Heart of Jazz Raises Record Amount for Cardiac & Vascular Care Fund

More than 200 attendees enjoyed the third annual Heart of Jazz fundraising event at the Statesville Civic Center Friday evening, raising a record $44K for Iredell Health Foundation’s Cardiac & Vascular Care Fund.

“We are thrilled and truly grateful for the success of the event and are thankful to have an amazing planning and decorating committee that made it possible. It was a fun and enjoyable evening that benefited an important cause, and we want to thank everyone who came out to show their support,” said Miles Atkins, Iredell Health Foundation Executive Director.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the world and the leading cause of death in the United States, killing over 375,000 Americans a year. Heart disease accounts for 1 in 7 deaths in the U.S. The Cardiac & Vascular Care Fund supports the purchase of new cardiac and vascular equipment, patient assistance, and educational activities. This fund is critical for Iredell Health System to continue providing cutting edge care for cardiac and vascular patients.

Heart of Jazz, an annual event, features music, food, spirits, and dancing. This year’s evening began with a cocktail hour featuring an open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Guests enjoyed piano music played by Dr. Ray Georgeson, a cardiologist with Piedmont HealthCare. Dinner was catered by La-Tea-Da’s of Charlotte. John Green, Iredell Health System President & CEO, and Jim Johnston, Iredell Health Foundation Board Chair, welcomed attendees and shared the importance of cardiovascular care. Their remarks were followed by patient testimonials from Anthony Houston, Debbie Mitchell, and Frank Cline.

“I’ve been able to get back to hobbies again,” said Frank Cline, a cardiac patient of Dr. DeBerardinis. “It’s kind of like a family when you walk into a doctor’s office and they all know you. I’ve never had a doctor anywhere that has the personality and bedside manner that Dr. DeBerardinis has. I credit him for me being here.”

Justin Ckezepis, radio publisher and DJ for WSIC, facilitated a live auction and raffle. The evening concluded with dancing and music from the talented band, N-Spire.

The event was made possible thanks to the generosity of sponsors and donors. Sponsors for the event included Kathy & Chad Percy, Bob & Sandy Fotsch, deBotech, L. Gordon Iron & Metal, Kewaunee Scientific, Rowdy Armistead, Mooresville Realty & Princeton Homes, McCulloch England Architects, Piedmont Healthcare, Revels Contracting, CR Onsrud, and Four Corners Framing.

About Iredell Health Foundation
The Iredell Health Foundation is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization responsible for philanthropy for Iredell Health System. It supports the system’s programs and services through donor-centered fundraising. The Foundation focuses on raising community awareness of specific programs that need funding and provides individuals and organizations hoping to make a difference and leave a legacy the opportunity to support local healthcare needs of their choice. To learn more, or to make a donation, visit www.iredellhealthfoundation.org or call 704-878-7669.

About Iredell Health System
Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Davis Medical Center; Iredell Davis Behavioral Health Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest and only nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare organization has 391 licensed beds; close to 2,000 employees; and has approximately 365 healthcare providers representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The health system’s Iredell Mooresville campus is home to the area’s only 24-hour urgent care facility, as well as an ambulatory surgery center, imaging center, rehabilitation services, and physician practices. The mission of Iredell Health System is to inspire wellbeing. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit www.iredellhealth.org.