LEXINGTON — The American Heart Association hosted their 2026 Central Kentucky Heart Ball on Friday, February 6th, at the Central Bank Center in Lexington, Kentucky. The Heart Ball is a powerful evening event that celebrates the Heart Association’s progress, highlights their mission, and serves as another vital fundraising opportunity. The event engages companies, community leaders, and individuals to make a lasting impact across the Four Chambers of their work: discovery, advocacy, access, and knowledge.
Supported by the event’s chair couple, Joe and Jennifer Palumbo, the event shared moments to reflect, honor and celebrate the progress made through discovery of groundbreaking research, advancements in access to care, local, state, and federal advocacy efforts, and equipping communities with lifesaving knowledge.
Event Highlights
- $750,000+ RAISED!
- Bill Meck, WLEX-TV chief meteorologist, was emcee for the 2026 Central Kentucky Heart Ball.
- Matt Grimshaw, market president, CHI Saint Joseph Health, part of CommonSpirit, raised a toast to the attendees.
- Chris Roty, market president, Baptist Health Lexington, spoke of the impact of the American Heart Association on Kentuckians.
- Steve Behnke, MD, president, Lexington Clinic, and wife Ashleigh will be the Heart Ball chair couple for 2027.
To learn more about the Heart Ball and the American Heart Association in Kentucky, visit heart.org/Kentucky.