AUGUSTA, Ga., Feb. 12, 2026 — The CSRA raises more than $260,000 to support the fight against the nation’s No. 1 killer, cardiovascular disease (CVD). On Friday, Feb. 6, the 2026 CSRA Heart Ball brought together more than 200 community leaders, volunteers and survivors of CVD to showcase how research discovery, advocacy, access and knowledge can make an impact and change health outcomes in the CSRA. The critical funds raised will help support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere.
“We are honored to host an event with such profound meaning and impact right here in the CSRA,” said 2026 CSRA Heart Ball chair Will Schafer, owner of Master Automotive Group. “With the American Heart Association projecting that more than six in 10 in the U.S. are likely to have some form of cardiovascular disease by 2050 [1], supporting its lifesaving mission has never been more critical. The CSRA Heart Ball campaign is proof of what we can achieve when we come together for a healthier future.”
The CSRA Heart Ball is a culmination of the year-round campaign to improve and save lives from heart disease and stroke. It marks a moment in time to reflect, honor and celebrate the progress made through the discovery of groundbreaking research, improving access to quality health care, advocating for efforts at local, state and federal levels and equipping communities with lifesaving knowledge.
More than 200 guests heard stories from local heart disease survivors, lifesavers, researchers and other community leaders, bringing the mission to life. Honorees included Open Your Heart honoree and local cardiac arrest survivor Christopher Highley; 2026 CSRA Heart Walk Chair Jennifer Baggett; local researcher Mona Elgazzaz, PhD; community advocate Stephanie Rouse; and Tyson Abrams, a congenital heart defect survivor and national youth ambassador for the Kids Heart Challenge.
Master Automotive and Piedmont Health served as the Platform Sponsor for this year’s event held at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center, which was also locally sponsored by Wellstar MCG Health, Sonder Health Plans, Duckworth Development, and MAU Workforce Solutions. The evening was hosted by volunteer and WRDW News 12 & 26 anchor Zayna Haliburton.
“We are so thankful for our guests, sponsors and volunteers who made this event possible,” said American Heart Association CSRA executive director Ansley Howze. “Through your support, the American Heart Association is advancing lifesaving heart and brain health education, research, and advocacy across the CSRA. Together we are creating a stronger, healthier community for all.”
The American Heart Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization that focuses on heart and brain health. For more information on how to support the American Heart Association visit heart.org/csraheartball.
Editor’s Note: Heart Ball photos can be found here. Photo credit to the American Heart Association.
###
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:
Hunter Burton: hunter.burton@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
