Photo provided Valerie Piko, from left, Shawn Core, Jay Goodman, Rachel Goodman, Melissa Rataiczak, John Rataiczak, Natalie Brown, Susie Krajnyak and Michelle Loehr prepare for the 51st annual Ohio Valley Heart Ball, slated for Feb. 23.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The American Heart Association and the Ohio Valley Heart Ball’s Executive Leadership Committee announced a “Masquerade Ball” theme for the upcoming event, which will be on Feb. 23 at the Belmont County Country Club.

“We are so excited about the theme for the 51st Edition of the Heart Ball,” John Rataiczak, co-chairman for the Heart Ball, said. “Each year we want to bring the guests something new and exciting.

“We have had different themes every year to keep the ball fresh,” Rataiczak added. “The Ohio Valley Heart Ball has never had a masquerade theme, and we are anxious to see what everyone comes up with. We plan to have a contest for the most beautiful and creative masks.”

“This event continues to grow, and this theme will add a new level of excitement for attendees,” Michelle Loehr, development director for the American Heart Association, said. “The committee has truly worked hard to make this the ‘must-see’ event in the Ohio Valley each February, and this year looks no different! We’ve had 50 years of success, and this new theme is an exciting way to kick off the next 50 years.”

The annual Heart Ball helps raise funds for the American Heart Association’s mission in the Ohio Valley, including life-saving research and public education and outreach. The event will include auctions and live music from K-Street. In preparation for the 2019 Heart Ball, the committee will be hosting a Style Show at 2 p.m. Dec. 2. This event will showcase different style ideas for the Heart Ball and will kick off fundraising. Tickets are on sale now but are limited to 100 people. For more information, including sponsorship and ticket purchasing, contact Loehr at 681-313-2075 or via email at michelle.loehr@heart.org.