OUT & ABOUT
People, places and events
AHHA Dec. 14-16 was the grand opening weekend of the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa’s new Hardesty Arts Center (affectionately known as AHHA). The weekend included a VIP unveiling recognizing major contributors and visionaries, a members-only opening and a public ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by an open house. Located in the downtown Brady Arts District, the Hardesty Arts Center is the latest addition to a rapidly growing arts scene. The center will house many AHCT programs, as well as contemporary art in its gallery space. The current gallery show is “Concept/OK: Art in Oklahoma,” presented by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition. For more information and public hours see our feature on p. 44, or visit www.ahhatulsa.org.
Ken Busby, AHCT executive director and CEO; and Don Walker, CEO of Arvest Bank
Brett Pfiefer, Janet Selser and Robert Schaefer, all of Selser Schaefer Architects, which designed the building
Howard Barnett; Billie Barnett, AHHA campaign chairwoman; and their daughter, Allison
Dave Waddley, Michelle Hardesty, Roger Hardesty, Donna Hardesty and Connor Cleary
Mark Barcus, AHCT board president; and Kathy McRuiz, Hardesty Arts Center director
Volunteer Leaders
Explain how the funds are used. The funds go for three primary expenditures: scientific research, public education, and education and training for professionals who provide cardiovascular care. In Oklahoma right now, there are 17 active research projects (utilizing) $4.1 million in AHA research funding.
by JUDY LANGDON
Jeff Dunn
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TulsaPeople FEBRUARY 2013
Jeff Dunn with his daughter, Langley, and wife, Mendi How long have you volunteered for the American Heart Association? My involvement with the AHA was “sparked” by my daughter’s interest in participating in the Heart Ball. Due to my experience with heart-related issues, it was a pretty easy “sell.” Tell us a bit about the ball. This is the 42nd year of the Tulsa Heart Ball. … There always have been Sweethearts (10th-grade girls) who are recognized, and there has always been a Western theme. Along the way, we added Mavericks — 10th-grade boys — along with the Sweethearts. The other big change is how much the program has grown. In 1948, when the AHA started funding research, (the association) spent about $700,000 on research in the entire country … now just with the Tulsa Heart Ball, we are raising more than that.
Courtesy of Jeff Dunn
Heart Ball chairman Tulsa business owner Jeff Dunn has three special reasons for looking forward to the 2013 Heart Ball, the annual fundraiser of the Tulsa branch of the American Heart Association. First, he is chairman of the Feb. 2 event at the Exchange Center of Expo Square; second, his daughter Langley will be presented as a Sweetheart; and third, he is a heart disease survivor. In 2001 Dunn, then 34, was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. In 2007 he was one of the early recipients of radiofrequency ablation, a technology he says saved his life. Now, he is a tireless volunteer for the AHA — its continuing research and annual projects of bringing cardiovascular health issues to the forefront. Dunn knows firsthand the importance of practicing good health to keep his own heart working properly. And he can hardly wait for the special father-daughter dance he’ll share with Langley at this year’s ball.
Jean Ann Fausser, AHCT board chairwoman, and Tom Fausser
As a survivor of heart disease, how has your own health issue made you more aware of the focus of the AHA? I am a direct beneficiary of the research the AHA conducts. … For someone who had never experienced any significant healthrelated issues, this was a life-altering event. (After the procedure) my heart now beats normally. I am pretty careful to watch my weight, exercise and eat a healthy diet. After my initial diagnosis, I also elected not to drink any alcohol. What are other ways you are involved with the AHA? I am proud to volunteer for the AHA to promote exercise because that is something that has personally benefited me and that I want to share with others. By exercising as little as 30 minutes a day, we can significantly reduce our risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition to being more heart-healthy, I am a much better husband and dad after a run.
Feb. 2 — 42nd annual Heart Ball 6:30 p.m. Exchange Center, Expo Square, 4145 E. 21st St. Reservations required. Benefits American Heart TulsaPeople.com Association. Visit www.heart.org/tulsa. Visit the online Charitable Events Registry for updated event information.