The co-chairs and volunteers associated with the 2007 Heart Ball plan to use the Heart Ball not only as a fundraiser, but also as a platform to raise awareness of the work supported by those funds.

The co-chairs are Dee Jay Mailer, CEO of Kamehameha Schools, and Deena Nichols, regional vice president of Macy's West, serving Hawai'i and Guam.

"One of my goals is to use my position as the Heart Ball co-chair as a way to raise awareness among the women, and men, of their risks for heart disease and what they should do to control those risks," Nichols said in a statement. "The Heart Ball is the largest event of its kind in Hawai'i and plays an important role in our community by raising funds for the Heart Association's education efforts. I think it can also be a conduit for that education.

"Of course, another goal is to try and make this year's event exciting for everyone, and to capitalize on the 30 years of Heart Ball successes that have preceded it."

Macy's, a lead sponsor of the Heart Ball, provides decor for the event. The company is also a national sponsor of the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women education campaign.

Both Nichols and Mailer have personal reasons to help the Heart Ball succeed.

"My mother has had heart issues," Nichols said. "That family history means that I have to stay active and try and live healthier."

Mailer's mother, who was Native Hawaiian, died at 55 from cardiomyopathy, and she wants to draw attention to heart health issues within the Native Hawaiian population.

"I get regular cardiac check ups and am blessed with a healthy heart thus far. However, my history is a reminder to me of what impacts so many Native Hawaiians," Mailer stated. "There must be stronger attention paid to assuring that those at highest risk get the full benefit of life-saving prevention and treatment early ... before it's too late. So, I'm committed to supporting the Heart Association's work not only for my personal family, but also for my larger family, Native Hawaiians."

Kamehameha Schools keiki participate in Jump Rope For Heart, which supports the American Heart Association, and students and employees have made the Heart Walk one of the institution's primary campaigns.