Natalie Ghidotti is in the business of building relationships. She credits her time at Texas Christian University as a student and then working as a journalist in Fort Worth for a career that continues to evolve. “It gave me a firm foundation in storytelling and the important role the media has in driving brand reputations. I’m also a curious person by nature, and in public relations and journalism, you’re always learning, always growing. That’s one of my favorite aspects of it.”
Storytelling and creating meaningful connections are at the heart of her work. She believes now is the time to share the history of the American Heart Association and life-saving initiatives that improve the lives < and longevity > of fellow Arkansans. Natalie and her husband Jason will welcome friends and patrons to the Heart Ball later this month for an EPIC celebration.
Natalie was introduced to the Central Arkansas American Heart Association through her friend Jamie Jones. As the current chairman of the Central Arkansas AHA Board of Directors, Jamie recognizes this power couple as invaluable ambassadors. “Natalie brings a wealth of experience, creativity and connections. She is respected and beloved by friends and colleagues alike; and she’s renowned for her ‘all in attitude’ with everything she tackles – her enthusiasm is beyond compare.” With daughter Corinne participating in the Sweethearts program, it’s a family affair this year. This includes not only the Heart Ball, but a strategic annual fundraising + communications campaign. Natalie elaborates, “As Gen Xers, we are seeing the many sides of heart disease and its effect on every generation. Now is the time for us to come together and support the state’s lead organization in fighting heart disease on all levels.” She notes AHA is well recognized for its heart-forward programs including CPR education and no-smoking policies. “In recent years, there has been a lot of work on nutrition security and promoting healthy eating; both play a major role in heart disease prevention.” And she’s quick to add her personal mantra is another key component to a balanced lifestyle. “HAVE FUN! It’s essential to our mental, emotional and physical health – including specifically our heart!”
This year’s Heart Ball is guaranteed to be “all that and a bag of chips!” With a nod to 90s nostalgia, the evening will feature Dial Up and The Burnt CDs as entertainment. “It’s going to be a very cool retro club vibe. The bands are Fayetteville-based and amazing; 90s for the first act and 2000s for the second act.” A highlight is the presentation of the Sweethearts. The program provides a unique opportunity for high school sophomores to participate in a comprehensive curriculum designed to teach heart-healthy initiatives and cultivate civic responsibility. “Every generation, from Baby Boomer to Gen Z, faces heart disease risk. We can all play a role in spreading the word about how to prevent the number one killer of Arkansans.” Natalie and Jason are impressed with the statewide impact of the organization and plan to celebrate all those accomplishments as well the $816,000 in AHA-funded research being conducted at medical institutions throughout Arkansas.
The couple insists it will be a night to remember, guests will leave “feeling excited and motivated.” There will be opportunities to learn and engage in the mission fulfillment work; a key element will be the fun factor, which Natalie notes is imperative in work + life. She adds, “In her book The Power of Fun, Catherine Price highlights the research on why fun matters. It shows making time for true fun is a recipe for good health.”
Central Arkansas Heart Ball
Saturday, March 15 | Statehouse Convention Center
https://ahalittlerock.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/20242025LittleRockHeartBall
