By Kim Meyer-Webb | Photography by Sarah Oden
Hair by Thunder Crump with Face Your Day Salon | Makeup by Haydon Howard with Face Your Day Salon | Dress from Unveiled Bridal Collection | Coat from Fletcher & Bensky Furs | Earrings from Jones & Son Bridal & Diamond Fine Jewelry | Shot on location at 12 Star Flats
For nearly a century, the American Heart Association has been a relentless force for a world filled with longer, healthier lives. And with more than 150 offices nationwide, AHA is one of the largest advocacy platforms for heart health – providing education and public awareness to generations of families. The annual Heart Ball is hosted by AHA chapters across the country and commemorates the organization’s continued mission fulfillment work. As the Hot Springs Heart Ball celebrates nearly two decades of success, Brittney and Hunter Carrington will welcome patrons to an evening that remains steadfast in its unwavering commitment to improving the cardiovascular health of all Arkansans.
A native Arkansan, Brittney’s education and career path – along with Hunter’s work as a physician – have landed them in cities around the state. They moved to Hot Springs five years ago when Hunter joined Health Star Physicians and Brittney considers it “the best decision” for their family. With a heart for service, she recognized the opportunity to volunteer in the Spa City as an ideal way “to become more involved in the community and meet new people.” She adds, “It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the small town atmosphere with big city amenities… the adventure never stops.”
Brittney’s natural charisma + charm helped her settle into Hot Springs and she has established a solid reputation for her civic leadership. A former RN, she works at National Park Medical Center as Director of Growth & Outreach where the welfare of fellow Arkansans is paramount. While also an active member of the Junior Auxiliary of Hot Springs and the Garland County Circle of Friends, her finite focus is this year’s Heart Ball. “Being in the healthcare industry and knowing that heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, it’s become a top priority to help raise awareness and support prevention of the disease. The American Heart Association funds more cardiovascular research than any other U.S. organization after the federal government, and events like the Heart Ball help generate more funds for more research.”
This year’s ball promises “fun and excitement” with an elegant cocktail hour and live entertainment. A highlight of the evening is the formal presentation of the Sweethearts. Established by Kathryn and Paul Russell in memory of their daughter Caroline, the Sweetheart program offers a unique opportunity for high school sophomores and juniors to participate in a comprehensive program designed to teach heart-healthy initiatives and cultivate civic responsibility. “The education component of the American Heart Association’s mission is one of the organization’s greatest contributions to heart disease prevention, which is 80 percent preventable. The Sweetheart program is an example of this education in action – providing these young ladies with vital information to live a heart healthy life that they can share with friends and family.”
