Special to Iredell Free News
The Iredell Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Iredell Health System, raised more than $56,000 for local heart health at its first annual Heart of Jazz event.
Attendees of the October 13 event in Mooresville were treated to an evening of live music and celebration, featuring cardiologist Ray Georgeson and Mo Money, a five-piece jazz band comprised of the nation’s top studio musicians, songwriters, and producers — all of whom have national performance and recording credits. Mo Money is also the Carolina Panthers’ house band for every game.
The event featured a silent auction, cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a complimentary signature drink.
Emcees Kelly and David Sopp, founders of MVL, a lifestyle brand celebrating everything that contributes to a meaningful, vibrant life, delighted the crowd with their witty humor.
Sponsors for the event included Piedmont HealthCare, TDS Telecom, BestCo, Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, Heritage Knitting, Mooresville Ford and ZOLL LifeVest.
The highlight of the event was a grateful patient testimonial by Deborah Chambers, a Statesville resident, who was treated by Piedmont HealthCare cardiologist Jips Zachariah. Chambers suffered a heart attack earlier this year and credits Iredell Memorial Hospital and the cardiology team, specifically Dr. Zachariah, with saving her life. She presented him with a jar of lifesavers as a small token of her appreciation during the event.
Heart of Jazz benefited the Foundation’s Cardiac & Vascular Care Fund for Iredell Health System.
Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Iredell County, and the fund supports the life-saving efforts of cardiologists, vascular surgeons, nurses, and technicians throughout the health system.
“One hundred percent of the proceeds raised from this event help fund the Cardiac & Vascular Care Fund held at the Iredell Health Foundation. Funds do not leave the area, but stay right here in our community, benefiting our neighbors in a very real way,” said Jen Balog, executive director of the Iredell Health Foundation. “These funds help to purchase new cardiac and vascular equipment, expand our services to reach rural communities, and provide patient assistance for those who find a gap in paying for heart medications, durable medical equipment and even assistance with getting to and from appointments. What’s raised here, stays here and directly benefits our local community.”
As the only accredited chest pain center in Statesville, Iredell Memorial Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Center offers the community a full range of high-quality, personalized heart and vascular care. Last year alone, the Heart & Vascular Center performed more than 5,000 cardiovascular procedures. In addition to the Heart & Vascular Center, Iredell Health System serves its community by offering cardiovascular services through Iredell Vascular Clinic, Iredell Cardiology, Statesville Cardiovascular Clinic, and a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program.
Learn More
To learn more about the Iredell Health Foundation, or to make a donation, visit IredellHealthFoundation.org or call 704-878-7669.
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 make a donation, visit www.iredellhealthfoundation.org or call 704-878-4547.