Illuminated Hearts: Tulsa Heart Ball raises $500,000 for heart health
TULSA, March 21, 2025 – The American Heart Association-Tulsa lit up the Arvest Convention Center the night of March 7 for the 2025 Tulsa Heart Ball, which carried the theme, “Illuminated Hearts: Bringing light to heart health.” About 350 people attended, raising nearly $500,000 for heart disease and stroke research and prevention.
Guests included sponsors, volunteers, heart survivors and members of the 2025 class of Sweethearts and Mavericks and their families. The ball celebrated the Association’s year-round Heart of Tulsa effort to improve community health through the relentless pursuit of public policy change, equitable health for the underserved and underrepresented, education and scientific discovery.
The evening began with an elegant dinner of spinach and ricotta-stuffed chicken breast followed by a live auction and the incredible story of 20-year-old Morgan Decker, a heart transplant recipient who was diagnosed with a deadly genetic condition at age 14. His inspiring story underscores the importance of genetic testing and early intervention in the fight against heart disease. Decker attended with his family, including parents Cindy and Jason Decker, who was born with the same condition as Morgan but was also tested and treated.
The event closed out with the presentation of the Sweethearts and Mavericks and dancing to music by Drive Band. Sweethearts Vivi Lee, Camdyn Neeley and Reidy Siegfried were recognized as the top three fundraisers, respectively. The Heart of Tulsa campaign was steered by executive leadership team members Karissa and Darren Cottom, Andrea Spencer and Kris Stone.
Tulsa Heart Ball Chairman W. Chad McLain, a heart patient and partner at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, led fundraising for the event. For the second consecutive year, McLain led a separate fundraising event in February to support the American Heart Association and honor his mother, June “Junebug” McLain, passed away at age 56 following a heart attack in 1998. His motivation to eradicate heart disease lies in his desire to make sure other families are spared a similar fate. This year’s affair, with specialty cocktails and live music, was at Doc’s Wine and Food in Tulsa and raised $20,000.
“Heart health awareness and education is one of the most important causes I can think of to volunteer my time towards because of my own personal journey with heart health and the wide-reaching impact heart disease has on our community and loved ones,” McLain has said.
The ball was presented by Saint Francis Health System and Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. Additional support came from Heart Champions Lani & Stone, Tulsa Mosquito Control, River Spirit Casino Resort and Williams; and Hopeful Hearts Ascension St. John, BMW of Tulsa, JP Morgan Chase, Manhattan Construction, Whitney and Andrew Ryan. Fox 23 and Tulsa People were media sponsors. Shae Rozzi, anchor of Fox 23’s 5, 6 and 10 p.m. news returned as emcee.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
