MEMPHIS, March 26, 2004 – And the Magic continues! The 2004 Memphis Heart Gala, “Magic of the Heart”, was the most successful in the 27-year history of the event! 2004 Heart Gala Chairs, Jon Lucas, President Caesars Entertainment Tunica Group, along with his wife Barbara, were on-hand Thursday night to present a check in the amount of $350,000 to the American Heart Association!

More than fifty Heart Gala volunteers attended the check presentation hosted at the Germantown home of Joe and Jeanna Nicosia including Valerie Morris, 2004 Heart Gala, Inc. President along with Gala committee chairs Valerie Morris, Sandra Thompson, Jane Kimzey, Russ McDonald, Laura Adams, Dale Parker, and Michelle Scott. The presentation was the culmination of months of hard work by the volunteers. Auction chairman, Sandra Thompson, introduced a special guest, Madeline Murphy, who reminded the group of the difference their efforts are making! Madeline, now six-years old, has had multiple operations on her small heart. The vivacious youngster thanked the American Heart Association and sang a heart-touching rendition of “You Are My Sunshine”. Through the research made possible by funds raised for the American Heart Association, advancements in heart care continue to be made. These advancements have helped Madeline first hand!

The Memphis Heart Gala, Inc. has raised more than $4 million since 1977 to fight heart disease and stroke in West Tennessee and North Mississippi. The funds have provided research grants, life-saving equipment, and educational programs touching all facets of our community. With the 2004 Gala completed, 2005 Heart Gala Chairs, Dr. Susan Murrmann-Price and Dr. Roger Price are beginning plans for the 2005 Heart Gala, which will be held February 5, 2005. With the outstanding history of the event, another phenomenal year is expected!

Since 1924 the American Heart Association has helped protect people of all ages and ethnicities from the ravages of heart disease and stroke. These diseases, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers, claim more than 930,000 American lives a year. The association invested more than $348 million in fiscal year 2002-03 for research, professional and public education, and advocacy so people across America can live stronger, longer lives.