TheBuzz
TheBuzz
Hearts and stars
It's not only who you know, it's what they do. The chairwoman for this year's American Heart Association Heart Ball is Cheryl Bates. She and co-chairwoman Jill Cullinan have been leading an army of volunteers toward the fund-raising evening, themed "Midnight Magic," on Feb. 22 at Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Among the volunteers is Bates' husband, Jack, chairman and chief executive officer of Starr Seigle Communications Inc. He happens to have at his disposal an ad agency, PR firm, interactive and research company. Hmm, so will the event reap any benefits through the nuptial networking?
You're reading the proof.
Not only are Starr's people involved but stars from Macy's will be part of the decor. The retailer continues the Liberty House tradition of supporting the charitable event.
The Bates' involvement is personal as their son Chris underwent open heart surgery at age 2. Now 18, he is a Punahou School graduate, according to Sukil Suh, StarrPR account executive-turned-Heart Ball-volunteer.
Jack Bates has been an association president and helped organize the first Asian Pacific Scientific Forum on heart disease last April.
As always the Heart Ball will feature high-end goodies for auction such as a one-year, first-class pass for two on Hawaiian Airlines, a 2003 BMW Z4 and a travel package that includes seating for four at a Denver Broncos game.
Meanwhile, Macy's "More Community" campaign donated more than $372,000 to Hawaii and Guam charities.
"Hawaii's outpouring of support for the community totals more than 10 percent of all the donations made in seven states" said Lavina Wong, director of special events.
As a mahalo, Macy's cardholders will receive gift cards equaling a percentage of purchases made during the campaign.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin.
Call 529-4302, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached
at: eengle@starbulletin.com