Guests dance while enjoying entertainment from the Cleveland Keys dueling pianos during the WVU Medicine Camden Clark Foundation’s Hearts for Good: Wicked Ball on Feb. 28 at the Wood County Resiliency Center. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG – WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center’s American Heart Month outreach efforts culminated in record attendance at the Foundation’s annual Heart Ball, raising nearly $50,000 to support cardiology care in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Held Feb. 28 at the Wood County Resiliency Center, the “Hearts for Good: Wicked Ball” brought the community together for an evening of entertainment and philanthropy benefiting cardiac patients receiving care at the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute at Camden Clark. The event was inspired by the popular Broadway production and film series “Wicked,” featuring live artists, silent and live auctions, and entertainment from the Cleveland Keys dueling pianos.

All funds raised from the Heart Ball will benefit Camden Clark patients who seek cardiac care services. Proceeds will support the purchase of home monitoring equipment, including blood pressure cuffs and weight scales, as well as transportation assistance for patients facing challenges traveling to cardiac care appointments.

The nearly $50,000 raised this year represents one of the most successful Heart Ball events to date.

“Events like the Heart Ball demonstrate the incredible generosity of our community,” said Kim Couch, executive director of the WVU Medicine Camden Clark Foundation. “Every dollar raised stays here locally and helps remove both financial and logistical barriers to care, so our patients can focus on their health.”

Female cardiology providers from the WVU Heart & Vascular Institute at Camden Clark gather for a photo during the WVU Medicine Camden Clark Foundation’s Hearts for Good: Wicked Ball on Feb. 28 at the Wood County Resiliency Center. (Photo Provided)

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Through events like the Heart Ball, among ongoing outreach efforts, the foundation works to raise awareness and expand access to cardiovascular care across the region.

“We remain focused on ensuring patients have the resources and support they need to properly manage cardiovascular conditions, and we’re grateful to our community for standing with us to strengthen heart health in the Mid-Ohio Valley,” Couch said.

Dr. David Gnegy, West Virginia University assistant professor and director of cardiovascular services at the WVU Heart & Vascular Institute at Camden Clark, and WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center President and CEO Sean Smith pose for photos at the Camden Clark Foundation’s Hearts for Good: Wicked Ball on Feb. 28 at the Wood County Resiliency Center. (Photo Provided)

Guests pose at the Wicked-inspired photo booth during the WVU Medicine Camden Clark Foundation’s Hearts for Good: Wicked Ball on Feb. 28 at the Wood County Resiliency Center. (Photo Provided)