Hilton Head Monthly Magazine

Local fundraiser benefits American Heart Association

These days the American Heart Association is finding its challenges are twofold: First, to reverse the trends that have made heart and blood vessel diseases America’s No. 1 killer. Second, to compel hard-working Lowcountry residents to contribute money toward that goal during a recession.

Dr. David Kastl, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Hilton Head Hospital and this year’s co-chairman of the heart association’s annual Heart Ball of the Lowcountry, is doing his best to make sure that second challenge is met.

“Trying to have people come to an event where they have to give away their hard-earned money in a down economy is very difficult,” said Kastl, who is heading up the fundraiser with his wife, Dr. Dian Kastl, along with Dr. Jonathan MacCabe, a cardiologist at Savannah Cardiology, and his wife, Melissa.

To make the black-tie event — tickets are $175 each — more appealing to the masses, Kastl and his team have hired a comedian, sponsored by the Hilton Head Comedy Club, and have switched from a cash bar to an open bar setup. Thanks to a new sponsor, Grey Goose Vodka, there also will be a complimentary martini lounge. And the live and silent auctions have been beefed up to include more trips and freebies to help people on tighter budgets get a bargain on vacations and other prizes.

“We’re trying to make this a pleasurable event that’s not going to cost you an arm and a leg,” Kastl said. The fundraising goal is $100,000, a $15,000 increase from last year’s goal.

Though it’s a national association, it’s important for people to realize that their donations are used right here in the Lowcountry, Kastl said.

According to the association’s 2009-2010 Community Impact Report, just over $4 million in research grants were awarded to South Carolina institutions.

Twenty-eight communities in the state implemented smoke-free ordinances, including Hilton Head. And hundreds of local residents participated in the association’s various prevention and awareness initiatives, including Go Red For Women, Power to End Stroke, the Start! Lowcountry Heart Walk, CPR and Advanced Stroke Life Support training, and more.

Beyond those initiatives, money spent on research both in South Carolina facilities and elsewhere has helped to save local lives.

“I talk to people who have had this transplant or are taking this medication, and I think, well, 10 years ago if we didn’t do our research, they would be dead,” said Judy Caramello, director of corporate relations for the American Heart and Stroke Association’s Mid-Atlantic Affiliate, which includes Hilton Head Island. “People don’t realize how much our research saves lives.”

And there are still many lives to be saved. Every 38 seconds someone dies from cardiovascular disease, Kastl said. So every little bit we can contribute to the cause can help a loved one, either today or tomorrow, he said.

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION’S HEART BALL OF THE LOWCOUNTRY

When: 7 p.m., Feb. 6
Where: The Westin
Cost: $175 per ticket; tables start at $2,500. To buy tickets or for more information, contact Judy Caramello at 843-681-2355 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .