CSRA Heart Ball raises $260K to fight cardiovascular disease

The annual event brought together community leaders, volunteers, and survivors to support the American Heart Association's lifesaving mission.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The 2026 CSRA Heart Ball in Augusta, Georgia raised over $260,000 to support the fight against cardiovascular disease, the nation's number one killer. The event brought together more than 200 community members, including local heart disease survivors, researchers, and advocates, to celebrate progress and continue the work of the American Heart Association.

Why it matters

Cardiovascular disease is a major health concern, with the American Heart Association projecting that more than six in 10 Americans will have some form of it by 2050. Events like the CSRA Heart Ball are critical to raising funds and awareness to address this growing crisis through research, advocacy, access to care, and community education.

The details

The CSRA Heart Ball is the culmination of a year-round campaign to improve and save lives from heart disease and stroke. The event featured stories from local heart disease survivors, lifesavers, researchers, and community leaders. Honorees included a cardiac arrest survivor, a Heart Walk chair, a local researcher, a community advocate, and a congenital heart defect survivor who serves as a national youth ambassador.

  • The 2026 CSRA Heart Ball took place on February 6, 2026.
  • The American Heart Association projects that more than six in 10 Americans will have some form of cardiovascular disease by 2050.

The players

Will Schafer

The 2026 CSRA Heart Ball chair and owner of Master Automotive Group.

Christopher Highley

The Open Your Heart honoree and a local cardiac arrest survivor.

Jennifer Baggett

The 2026 CSRA Heart Walk Chair.

Mona Elgazzaz

A local researcher honored at the event.

Stephanie Rouse

A community advocate honored at the event.

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What they’re saying

“We are honored to host an event with such profound meaning and impact right here in the CSRA. With the American Heart Association projecting that more than six in 10 in the U.S. are likely to have some form of cardiovascular disease by 2050 [1], supporting its lifesaving mission has never been more critical. The CSRA Heart Ball campaign is proof of what we can achieve when we come together for a healthier future.”

— Will Schafer, 2026 CSRA Heart Ball chair and owner of Master Automotive Group (heart.org)

“We are so thankful for our guests, sponsors and volunteers who made this event possible. Through your support, the American Heart Association is advancing lifesaving heart and brain health education, research, and advocacy across the CSRA. Together we are creating a stronger, healthier community for all.”

— Ansley Howze, American Heart Association CSRA executive director (heart.org)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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