ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OH, Feb. 24, 2026 – The American Heart Association will make sure you CAN-CAN dance the night away this Saturday with the 2026 Ohio Valley Heart Ball, themed “An Affair of the Heart / Une Soiree a Paris”! The event aims to raise funds to fight heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death in the U.S. It all happens at 6 p.m. at the Belmont Hills Country Club (47080 National Road W, St Clairsville, OH).
Co-chaired by John and Melissa Rataiczak, celebrating their thirty-first year in the positions, the Heart Ball will celebrate the Association’s mission to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere while featuring a silent auction, photo booth, a formal dinner and a live music from the K Street Band.
“We are excited to see the Ohio Valley come together to support heart health and our life-saving mission,” said Lauren Thomas, development director for the American Heart Association. “This year’s theme brings the glitz and glamour of the Moulin Rouge, and we look forward to seeing how guests bring it to life.”
Leading sponsors include WVU Medicine, The Health Plan, WesBanco, Community Bank, Project Best, Savvy Sellebrations, DeFelice Bros. Pizza, Ohio River Colleries, Capstone Holdings, and Steptoe & Johnson. Media supporters include WTRF 7, iHeart Wheeling, and Lamar Outdoor Advertising. The event will be emceed by WTRF TV’s Annalise Murphy.
“We can’t thank our sponsors and the community enough,” Thomas added. “Their support helps us bring this impactful event to life.”
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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:
Kevin Pauley, kevin.pauley@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
