NEW ORLEANS – March 19, 2025 — For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through Heart of New Orleans Heart Ball campaign, volunteer co-chairpersons Dickie Brennan and Steve Pettus, managing partners, Dickie Brennan & Co. leads community-wide efforts to help ensure everyone in New Orleans has the opportunity for a full, healthy life.

The Heart Ball celebrates hope and progress through all who support the American Heart Association’s efforts to make an impact on the health of the community. These efforts include scientific discovery, public policy change, equitable health for all, and education to equip community members to take control of their health.

“Dickie’s and Steve’s passion and commitment to the American Heart Association’s mission, deep understanding of community needs, and unwavering drive to make a difference positions them as the perfect choices to co-chair this event,” says Coretta LaGarde, executive director, American Heart Association of Greater New Orleans. “We welcome both Dickie and Steve to the Heart of New Orleans Heart Ball, an initiative that centers around optimal health for everyone by focusing on critical issues and work that equitably improves and saves lives, and look forward to celebrating their hard work at the upcoming event.”

“I am honored to serve as the 2025 New Orleans Heart Ball Co-Chairperson alongside Steve,” said Dickie Brennan, managing partner, Dickie Brennan & Co. “As a heart disease survivor who has also watched family members battle heart disease, I have seen first-hand the significant impact of the American Heart Association’s work. I have enjoyed leading this effort to leave the world healthier and better than we found it, and look forward to bringing the Association’s mission to a new and different audience at this year’s Heart Ball in a fun, impactful and educational manner.”

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Louisiana. I lost my grandfather to it when he was only 54,” said Steve Pettus, managing partner, Dickie Brennan & Co. “I think about the impact he had on my life and how much more he could have done if he’d had access to the science advancements, health education and awareness that the Association works to share today. It takes a village to make a lasting impact, and we must do whatever it takes to create a better tomorrow for all people in New Orleans. I have enjoyed working with our outstanding team of American Heart Association staff and volunteers and I anticipate celebrating the culmination of our work with a memorable experience at the 2025 Heart Ball.”

The 2025 New Orleans Heart Ball will be held on Thursday, April 3 at the Audubon Tea Room. The annual event is a night to celebrate the Association’s year-round efforts to break down barriers to health across greater New Orleans. Throughout the evening, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health, will honor volunteers and patrons, feature stories of local survivors and saviors, and entertain guests with an elegant dinner, dancing and an exciting live auction.

Local sponsors include: Dickie Brennan & Co, Boysie and Joy Bollinger, New Orleans & Company, AOS Interior Environments, Associated Food Equipment & Supplies, B & G Foods, Caleb Didriksen, DePaul Community Health Center, Doctors Irimpen, Humana, LAMMICO, LCMC Health, Medtronic, Pan-American Life Insurance Group, Southern Eagle Sales and Service, Auto-Chlor, Enterprise Mobility, Ann Marr, Goldring Foundation and US Foods. (*Sponsors listed as of 3/17/25)

For more information on how to support or attend the New Orleans Heart Ball, visit Heart.org/nolaheartball or contact AHANewOrleans@heart.org.

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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:

Mary Fein, mary.fein@heart.org