Finding key opportunities to help our communities is an integral part of our mission at The Mars Agency. And getting involved with organizations that also matter to our clients makes it even that much more important to us. So when the opportunity to participate in the American Heart Association’s 2023 NWA Heart Ball came along, naturally we harnessed our “Be All In” spirit.
Held at the Rogers Convention Center in Northwest Arkansas, the annual Heart Ball celebrates a year of work advocating and fundraising for the American Heart Association. With a mission to raise awareness and fund research to eradicate heart disease and stroke, this critical work is rooted in the idea that we are a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Spotlighted at the Heart Ball was The Northwest Arkansas AHA Sweetheart program, a critical arm in the AHA chapter’s advocacy work. The program enlists sophomore-age women from the region to champion the association’s mission by becoming CPR-certified, volunteering at local events, and fundraising. The Sweethearts’ fundraising goal for this year was $50,000, which the 40 Sweethearts exceeded by raising over $130,000. The organization’s overall fundraising goal for the next fiscal year is $2.2 million.
At this year’s sold-out event, The Mars Agency had the opportunity to sponsor a table alongside sponsoring clients Sanofi, Bayer Healthcare and Campbell Soup Company. As co-chairs of the event, Vinima Shekhar, VP Wellness Merchandising for Walmart U.S., and Sheila Gamble, VP/Team Lead for the Sanofi Walmart team, orchestrated a wonderful night of celebration, camaraderie and philanthropy. Sanofi’s consumer healthcare mission aligns with the AHA and both organizations support raising money to drive change, fund science, and improve health. “We appreciate The Mars Agency’s partnership with Sanofi and support of the AHA’s important work. It was a wonderful evening of celebration to share with our agency partners. Together we are a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives,” Sheila Gamble expressed.
This was The Mars Agency’s first year as a sponsor of the Heart Ball, which provided a fantastic opportunity to be alongside clients creating impact together in the communities we share. “We are showing our solidarity not only with our clients, but also with the important mission of the American Heart Association by becoming a sponsor at The Heart Ball,” Senior Vice President Victoria Van Dusen stated. “We look forward to many more years of partnership and support!”
Learn more about the American Heart Association and how you can help with their mission here.