Our Annual Meeting was held on Tuesday, September 27th at the Gaston Country Club. Dr. James Greelish, Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at CaroMont Health provided the program. Dr. Mark Heckel, President of the Board of Directors, presented awards to volunteers and businesses that have been very supportive of the Heart Society.
The 13th annual Gold Heart Award was presented to Dr. Mark Thompson. This prestigious award recognizes the contributions of individuals who have significantly promoted the mission and the goals of the Heart Society. Mark joined the Heart Society’s Board of Directors in 2003. He served 3 years on the Executive Committee, including one term as President. He actively supports the Heart Society’s special events and programs. He currently serves as the Volunteer Lab Director for the Cholesterol Screening Program. He is a vocal advocate for the Heart Society and recruits other volunteers. Dr. Thompson’s medical expertise and business sense have helped the Heart Society run more efficiently and more effectively. CaroMont Health and Douglas R. Harris Jewelers were recognized as the co-sponsors of the Golden Heart Award.
The Jennie Craig Watson Award was presented to Bryan Farris. Bryan has generously given his time and resources to help the Heart Society. He recruited a volunteer to design a new website at no cost and actively serves on the Golf Tournament and Heart Ball Committees.
The WA Anthony Award was presented to Hunter Douglas Window Designs. Hunter Douglas has made contributions to fund programs and participated in the Heart Ball as a Silent Auction donor and Corporate Sponsor. They have supported the Heart Walk by having a team participate in the Walk and by raising a significant amount of contributions. Mr. Joe Cammalleri accepted the award on behalf of Hunter Douglas.
The WL Balthis Award was presented to Mr. Frank Matthews. Mr. Matthews has generously supported the Heart Society’s special events and programs for more than 25 years. His ongoing financial support has helped the Heart Society reach more people in our community.
Dr. Costa Andreou was recognized as a retiring board member. During the past 9 years he served in a variety of ways, including President of the Board, Chairperson of the Open Heart Open Golf Committee for 2 years and Volunteer Lab Director for the Screening Program. He helped with grant proposals, health fairs and special events. His volunteerism influenced every aspect of the Heart Society. He received the Gold Heart Award in 2007.
The following special event volunteers were recognized.
Costa Andreou, MD
Steve Campbell
Nancy Drake
Bryan Farris
Mark Heckel, MD
Bryan Houck
Steve Huffstetler
Alice Ann Kelly, DDS
Jim Kelly, DDS
Darlene Mayhew
Ken Mayhew
David Rogers
Meg Silvoy
Barry Smith
Pam Smith
Kim Tidwell
TJ Solomon
Rob Sumner
Mark Thompson, MD
Karen Willis
Betty Ann Wittenberg
Hunter Douglas Window Designs was recognized for their enthusiastic participation in the Heart Walk. Their team had the most walkers and raised more money than any other team in the 2011 Heart Walk. Ms. Vickie Light accepted their award.
Mr. Barry Smith, Chairperson of the Nominating Committee, presented the slate of board members and officers for 2011-2012. Edie Hancock was recognized for her outstanding leadership and volunteerism as the President of the Heart Society’s Board of Directors in 2010-2011.
2011 Heart Walk
Our 8th annual Heart Walk was held on May 5th on the campus of Gaston Memorial Hospital. A record number of teams participated this year, raising over $11,000 to support the Heart Society's programs for Gaston County. We sincerely appreciate all of the volunteers and supporters who participated in the Walk this year. A special thank you goes to the following:
- CaroMont Health for being the event sponsor
- Karen Willis for serving as the Chairperson
- Mid Carolina Cardiology & Carolina Heart Specialists for sponsoring the t-shirts
- Hunter Douglas Window Designs for being the team that raised the most donations and had the most walkers
Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 03:54PM 
