Michael Heller, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cozen O’Connor to be Honored at American Heart Association’s 64th Annual Philadelphia Heart Ball

Michael Heller, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cozen O’Connor to be Honored at American Heart Association’s 64th Annual Philadelphia Heart Ball

 

Michael Heller, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cozen O’Connor to be Honored at American Heart Association’s 64th Annual Philadelphia Heart Ball

Heart Ball Set to Raise Millions of Dollars Towards Cardiac Research

 

PHILADELPHIA, PA – June 1, 2021 – The American Heart Association is excited to announce that Michael will receive the Heart of Philadelphia award at the 2021 Philadelphia Heart Ball, set as a digital experience for June 3, 2021.   This prestigious honor is given to members of our community who are performing important philanthropic duties which impact significant change in our society.

Right now, 1 in 5 people in Philadelphia are not getting enough food or nutrients they need. COVID-19 has amplified this need by making it harder for many to afford or access healthy foods. The American Heart Association is fighting alongside community and industry leaders so that everyone can eat healthy no matter where they live. Michael and Lauren Heller have made a personal commitment to the Philadelphia community.  Through their significant contribution to the AHA, the organization is able to accelerate its work to improve nutrition security in North Philadelphia by launching a sustainable, ongoing nutrition prescription or “food as medicine” initiative alongside a Federally Qualified Health Center and a North Philadelphia farm. In addition to this personal gift, Michael’s leadership of the 2021 Heart Ball Executive Leadership Committee, Michael Heller has helped raise over $1.8M for the mission of the American Heart Association.

Michael Heller is a member of the board of directors of a number of for-profit companies, including Beachbody, LLC, ESF Camps, and Hanover Fire and Casualty Co.  He also sits on several nonprofit boards, including Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Villanova Law School, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT).

Each year, hundreds of corporate and medical professionals gather to honor the accomplishments of the American Heart Association at the annual Philadelphia Heart Ball.  This year, in addition to distinguished honorees, the Ball will focus its attention on the work that is being done in Philadelphia to combat some of our city’s biggest challenges which lead to life threatening health disparities, specifically food insecurity.

“Michael Heller is the perfect recipient of the Heart of Philadelphia award, as he exemplifies everything this award holds in high regard,” says Dr. William Gray, System Chief of Division for Cardiovascular Disease, Main Line Health;
President, Lankenau Heart Institute; and President of the American Heart Association Southeastern Board of Directors. “People like Lauren and Michael Heller are making a large difference in the lives of vulnerable Philadelphians.  This aligns with the mission of the American Heart Association and allows us to shine a spotlight on the ongoing need in our community.”

Philadelphia ranks at the top of large American cities whose residents are dying more frequently from premature cardiovascular disease.  Because of this, the American Heart Association’s Philadelphia Heart Ball will dedicate significant dollars towards addressing preventative issues such as food access, blood pressure management and safe streets.

All proceeds from the Heart Ball support the American Heart Association, which funds public and professional education, advocacy, and scientific research. Research funded by the association has yielded important discoveries such as CPR, life-extending drugs, pacemakers, bypass surgery, surgical techniques to repair heart defects and more.

 

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About the American Heart Association:

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.