Cambria Somerset Heart Ball will go digital, honor local physician and survivors

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is inviting more people than ever to join a “virtual mask-erade” at the 2021 Cambria Somerset Heart Ball, which will be transformed into a digital experience for the first time. The event will be held online using Zoom on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. Guests can register to attend the event for free.

“The mission of the American Heart Association is more important than ever as we learn more about the impact of COVID-19 on patients with cardiovascular disease and the long-term health effects of the virus,” said Brooke Greybush, division director for the American Heart Association. “The health and safety of our community continues to be a priority, which is why we are encouraging everyone to participate in the Heart Ball from the safety of their homes. The Heart Ball will look a little different this year, but we are committed to continuing our life-saving mission and look forward to opening the doors of our virtual Heart Ball to even more people who wish to support our mission.”

The Cambria Somerset Heart Ball digital experience will kick-off with an online silent auction from Feb. 20-27 that will include fine jewelry, gift cards for local restaurants and vacation packages. The Heart Ball program on Feb. 27 will be hosted by Sean Eiler of WJAC-TV. The event will raise funds to support the mission of the American Heart Association and celebrate local individuals who make an extraordinary impact and survivors who have benefitted from the association’s work. Sunnehanna Country Club will demonstrate how to prepare a heart-healthy meal.

Cambria Somerset Heart Ball will go digital, honor local physician and survivors

Dr. Krishna Baht

The American Heart Association will present its annual Heart Hall of Fame Award to Dr. Krishna Bhat, cardiologist with Conemaugh Health System. The Heart Hall of Fame Award is presented to a healthcare professional who is making a difference in local healthcare and carrying out the mission of the American Heart Association in Cambria or Somerset counties. Nominations for the award were accepted through Dec. 31, 2020.

The Heart Ball is co-chaired by Ed Sheehan, Jr., president and CEO at Johnstown-based Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC), and Julie Sheehan, an accomplished community volunteer. In addition to serving as president and CEO of CTC, Ed serves as vice chair and president of the CTC Foundation and is chairman of the board of directors of Enterprise Ventures Corporation, a for profit subsidiary of CTC.

In addition to volunteering for the American Heart Association, Ed serves on the boards of directors for the National Defense Industrial Association and 1st Summit Bank and holding company. He is also a member of the Western Region Advisory Board of Highmark Inc. and serves on the advisory board of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown; vice chair and board member of the John P. Murtha Foundation; board of directors of Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial; and president of The Pennsylvania Society Council. He was named a Top 100 Business Leader by Pennsylvania Business Central numerous times.

Cambria Somerset Heart Ball will go digital, honor local physician and survivors

Julie Sheehan and Ed Sheehan, Jr.

Julie Sheehan is the first woman president of the board of directors at the Greater Johnstown YMCA and has served on the board since 2004. She also serves as a program leader at her parish, Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Johnstown. She served as a troop leader for the Girl Scouts from 1991 to 2015, as well as the service unit director. She was honored by the Girl Scouts with their Appreciation Pin and both she and Ed received the Girl Scout Community Service Award in 2012. She has also held officer positions in booster organizations at Our Mother of Sorrows School and Westmont Hilltop High School.

Ed and Julie shared their reason for agreeing to serve as this year’s co-chairs. “Both of our families have been impacted by heart disease. We believe by serving as co-chairs of this year’s annual Cambria Somerset Heart Ball and assisting in raising the necessary funds to support continued research, we will help in the fight against heart disease.”

The 2021 Cambria Somerset Heart Ball is sponsored locally by UPMC Health Plan, Highmark, 1st Summit Bank, Conemaugh Health System, 1889 Foundation, AmeriServ Financial, CME Engineering, Somerset Trust Company, UPMC Somerset, Concurrent Technologies Corporation, First Commonwealth Bank, WJAC-TV, The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown Magazine and more.

For more information about the 2021 Cambria Somerset Heart Ball, visit cambriaheartball.heart.org or contact Brooke Greybush at [email protected] or call 717-730-1713.