Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
$20M raised at the Birmingham Heart Ball for lifesaving research + how to support
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Heart disease touches nearly every family in Alabama. For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association (AHA) has been a lifeline, funding research, training lifesaving skills and bringing locals together.
With the 38th Birmingham Heart Ball on the horizon, the fight for longer, healthier lives is stronger than ever. Read on to see the numbers behind their impact and how the event is making a real difference.
American Heart Association’s impact in Alabama
To see how AHA is making a difference in Alabama, we looked at the latest 2024 numbers. Here are some of the ways they’re improving lives across the state:
- 774,600 residents impacted through 26 policy, systems + environmental change initiatives
- 10,000 Alabamians trained in hands-only CPR
- $21 million in research funded in Alabama
- 4 partnering clinics improving blood pressure, cholesterol + diabetes outcomes for thousands
- 32 Alabama hospitals participating in AHA”s “Get with the Guidelines” program
LIFE-SAVING IMPACT: Since the 1970s, AHA has invested more than $80 million in Alabama research, fueling advancements in medicine, devices and surgical techniques that have saved countless lives.
How the Birmingham Heart Ball saves lives across Alabama
For 38 years, the AHA’s Birmingham Heart Ball has brought leaders, physicians and communities together to raise funds and awareness. One of Birmingham’s premiere fundraising events, it has raised more than $20 million to date for local research, advocacy and community education efforts to fight heart disease and stroke—the first and fourth killer in Alabama.
The event is a time to honor volunteers and supporters, share stories of survivors and entertain guests with dinner, dancing and a live auction.
As glamorous and entertaining as the event is, the best part is this: every dollar raised goes directly to research, public awareness and community programs that save lives locally and statewide.
With a $1,250,000 fundraising goal for 2025–2026, the AHA is aiming higher than ever. Show your support by donating now.
Caldwell Marks shares the Birmingham Heart Ball’s role in fighting heart disease
The next Birmingham Heart Ball will take place on February 28, 2026, and will be chaired by Caldwell and Cathy Marks.
Caldwell shared with us how the event’s impact reaches well beyond the ballroom.
“The money we raise locally comes back to the community in the form of research grants and public awareness campaigns. It’s amazing to see the scientific advancements in medicine, devices and surgical techniques that have been made over many decades through research grant funding from the AHA.”
Caldwell Marks, AHA Birmingham Heart Ball Chair
For Caldwell, the Birmingham Heart Ball is about more than one celebratory night.
“Our hope is to leave a legacy of continuity and hope. Heart disease has touched all of our lives in some way, and we want our fellow Alabamians to know there is hope for future medical advancements that can help us all live longer, healthier lives.”
Caldwell Marks, AHA Birmingham Heart Ball Chair
Step up for heart health: Learn more about the American Heart Association, secure your Heart Ball tickets or give to lifesaving work.
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