The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

WITH its biggest fundraiser only weeks away, the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation has now opened the nomination process for the Golden Heart Award.

In preparation for the 54th Annual Heart Ball, where the award has been presented since 1968, the Foundation and the Heart Ball Committee are seeking to honour individuals who have given unselfishly of themselves to help others and the community at large. The deadline for nominations is January 31, 2018.

Based on reference letters sent to support each nomination, a committee from the trustees of the Foundation make a determination on who the humanitarian award goes to.

This year's Heart Ball will be held on February 17 and is the biggest fundraiser for the organisation along with is annual Tea Party held in November.

"Attendees at the ball can expect a fun-filled evening, good food, wine and dancing. Persons attending should bring their cash and credit cards to participate at the ball. At least three free gifts are guaranteed per table of 10. There is always something to do. There is no special featured artist at the ball, as you are expected to dance the night away with the Ed Brice Orchestra Soulful Groovers, RBDF Pop Band and Gary 'Super' Johnson," said Marilyn Cambridge, committee member.

There is a special raffle for a $1,500 gift card or a $500 fragrance basket (limited tickets ) sponsored by John Bull, she said.

"Additionally, there is a general raffle with 10 prizes with the 1st prize valued at more than $3000 and you could always take a stroll and peek at your favourite Silent Auction prize to see if you are winning the bid for your favourite jewellery, art piece, handbag, trip or chef home cooked meal," she said.

While the Heart Ball Committee does not have a specific target sum which would like to raise from the ball, at least 97 per cent of funds will help send several children for potentially life-saving surgery, said Ms Cambridge.

The Heart Foundation was founded by Evelyn, Lady Sassoon, in 1961 after the death of her husband, Sir Victor Sassoon. The main purpose of the Foundation is to assist children with cardiac care.

To date, the Heart Foundation has assisted over 4,000 children with heart disease with no major contribution from the government.

For example, at birth, the children's problems are diagnosed as pre-existing conditions and are not covered by insurance companies. Each surgery averages between $50,000 to $75,000, with some special - including hospitalisation and after care - costing over $100,000. The biggest challenge is financing the surgeries, as the doctor's (decide) which surgery is most urgent, but there is always a wait list.

The Foundation said it is also challenged in requesting donations, as unlike with other illnesses, it represents those who cannot speak for themselves - the children.