'Seeing so many supporters': Heart Ball raises money for community

Dave Sutor, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·1 min read

Apr. 15—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — This year's Cambria Somerset Heart Ball is expected to have raised more than $100,000 through sponsorships, ticket purchases, donations and a silent auction.

The funds, which have only been preliminarily counted, will be used to help carry out the mission of the American Heart Association locally, such as by providing education about heart health and cardio pulmonary resuscitation training.

Approximately 300 people attended the event Saturday at The Willow in Richland Township.

"Seeing so many supporters — it was pretty awesome," said Sean McCool, chairman of the 2024 Heart Ball.

McCool, who is the assistant vice president and business relationship manager at 1st Summit Bank, added: "Through the event, I think my goal and my mission was really to bring our community together. I know you hear that all the time for different events, but this is a longstanding event; this is something that's gone on for a long time. ... We really saw a lot of local impact."

Dr. James Tretter, director of vascular surgery at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, was inducted into the Heart Hall of Fame.

Two survivors of heart disease were also recognized — Lincoln Ashcom and David Streets. Ashcom is a first-grader with a congenital heart defect. Streets serves as lead pastor at West Hills Community Church.