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The American Heart Association Heart Gala, "Dancin' Through the Decades," is set for 7 p.m. to midnight May 3 at Eagle's Bluff Country Club.

Heart Gala tickets are $100 per person and are available for purchase by credit card by calling Tanya Hicks at 903-533-9991. To learn more about Heart Gala 2008, visit www.heartball.info.

Honorary chairs of the event are Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Z. Ornelas. Co-chairs, Kelli Armstrong and Jayme Fitzpatrick worked closely with Mr. Art Burke, the AHA Board President, and AHA board and gala committee members to organize a fun-filled event that benefits the health and well-being of our community.

As part of this effort, guests can dust off the leisure suits, poodle skirts, bell-bottoms, and leg warmers, and dress in their favorite decade of choice.

While reliving their favorite dance era, a number of other activities are planned for the evening including a live and silent auction, a casino and live entertainment provided by the music of Professor D.

Mrs. Armstrong and Ms. Fitzpatrick issued a joint statement to urge community support:

"We are challenging you to help the American Heart Association achieve its goal of reducing cardiovascular disease and stroke by 25 percent by the year 2010. Nearly 1,000,000 Americans die from cardiovascular disease. Finding ways to treat and cure these diseases depend on medical research.

"Prevention begins through the education of the public about risk factors and warning signs. As the baby boomers age, the number of Americans suffering from these devastating diseases will increase substantially. You probably know someone suffering from heart disease, stroke or other cardiovascular disease. Most of us do. To help these people, and protect our loved ones, we all need to get involved. You can help by planning to attend Dancin' Through the Decades Heart Gala 2008," the statement read.

Committee members are Melanie Baker, Cindy Brady, Les Crawley, Angie Daughtry, Kishla Davis, Chalease Denson, Wendy Farmer, Carissa Fisher, Marta Fitzpatrick, Amy Freeman, Stacie Hagaman, Kelly Haney, Mitzi Hardee, Cadie Johnson, Rebecca Lane, Rhona Meads, Heather Pickett, Michelle Smith, Heather Spillman, Katie Stokes, Shea Taucher, Veronica Terres, Stacie Walker, Abby Warnick, Maggie Wright, Nicole Wright and Brandy Ziegler.

Heart Gala sponsors and contributors include All American Party and Tent Rentals, Inc., Allegiant Engineering Group, LLC, Artistic Dance Concepts, Balance, Bancorp South, BBR Training, Rudy Perry, Birdsong & Armstrong, P.C., Brandon E. Lane Attorney, Brookshire's Grocery Company, Business Direct Marketing, Bob Irwin Enterprises, Bob L. Herd Foundation, BW Energy Consultants, Inc., Bob Washmon, Border Market at Tyler Square Antiques, BSCENE Magazine, Capital One, Cardiovascular Associates of East Texas and Carrier.

Also, Casino Parties of East Texas, CB & I, Dallas Stars, Jim and Linda Denson, Designer Graphics, Eagle's Bluff, East Texas Anesthesiology Associates, Andrew Quiroz, M.D., Derek Mitchell, M.D., Greg Anderson, M.D., Joe Cooley, M.D., Shawn Thomas, M.D., Tim Twaddell, M.D.; East Texas Medical Center, East Texas Valuation Group, Embroid-It By Design, Firstbank, Fitzpatrick Butler Architects, Ft. Worth Cats, Gilbert's El Charro Restaurants, Marilyn & John Glass Charitable Donor Fund at the East Texas Communities Foundation, Green Acres Animal Clinic, Group M7, Michael Mahfood, Heritage Home Health, Mr. & Mrs. Mike Herrington, Idea Post-Production, Shane Payne, KYTX CBS 19, LA Boxing, Legacy Hospice and Mills-Bay-Wealth Consulting.

Also, Mont-Ro Skin Care Clinic - Tyler, Sherry Kauffman, Nana Bananaz, Napkin Imprinting by Denise Bardsley, NRH2O Family Water Park, Oak Properties, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Z. Ornelas, Outback Steakhouse, Marti Phelps, Portraits By Bryan, Ramsey Fritz Jewels, J. Mike Rowan, Jr. DDS, MSD, PLLC, Rowland Foundation, Sigal Heart Center, Six Flags Friends, State Representative Leo Berman, Susan Robinson Collection, Surgical Associates of East Texas - Charles H. Lee MD, W. Stephen Phillips MD, Texas Bank and Trust, Trinity Mother Frances Health System, Tyler Cardiovascular Consultants, Tyler Morning Telegraph, Tyler Obstetrics & Gynecology, LLP, Tyler Oral & Facial Surgery Center, Tyler Today, The University of Texas Health Center at Tyler, Villa Montez, Steve & Dr. Suji White, Dr. Sherilyn & Patrick Willis, Willow Brook Country Club, Dana & Glenn Woodard and Woodcreek Athletic Club.

To find out how to support other American Heart Association programs visit www.americanheart.org.