BUFFALO GROVE, IL--(Marketwired - Jun 12, 2014) - WestLake Financial Group, Inc., a recognized leader in voluntary benefits, HR consulting, and employee benefits technology is pleased to announce the record breaking results of the 2014 American Heart Association's Chicago Heart Ball. Paul J. Burt, founder and CEO of WestLake Financial Group and co-founder of Cera Solutions, along with his wife, Janet, were the chairs of this year's event.
For over 31 years the Heart Ball has been one of the premier fundraising events in Metro Chicago, bringing together corporate and community leaders for an inspirational evening of dinner, dancing, entertainment and live and silent auctions in support of the American Heart Association.
Cardiovascular disease takes the life of one person every 39 seconds in the US, and is the cause of death of 36% of Americans who pass each year. Since 1949, the AHA has invested over $3.3 Billion in heart research, and right now is investing more than $13.7 Million in Chicago area research studies to cure heart disease and stroke.
This year, through the efforts of Paul and Janet Burt along with the Heart Ball Executive Leadership Team made up of corporate executives from across the region, the Chicago Heart Ball raised $2.6 million. This record-breaking amount puts Chicago in the lead for money raised at a Heart Ball event across the country.
"We are honored to have been selected by the American Heart Association to lead such a great group of corporate leaders and luminaries to a record-breaking event for the AHA," said Paul J. Burt, CEO of WestLake Financial Group, Inc. "The money raised will go to support the American Heart Association's mission of building healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke."
Congenital heart defects affect eight out of every 1,000 infants born each year, and the AHA funds more research on children's heart disease than any organization outside of the federal government.
"The Chicago Heart Ball celebrates a cause very close to our own hearts. Our ten year old daughter, Sophia, was diagnosed with congenital heart disease in 2006, and survived open heart surgery in 2010," said Janet Burt. "Sophia shared her personal story at last year's event, thanking the crowd for their support and encouraging their continued participation in AHA fundraising activities."
About WestLake Financial Group, Inc.
Established in 1991, WestLake is a recognized leader in HR consulting and employee benefits technology services. By utilizing technology and personalized expertise to provide clients with web-based solutions, claims administration, broker and consulting services, third-party administration and call center support, WestLake enables clients to focus on core human resource activities. For more information on WestLake and the services they offer, please visit www.westlakefinancialgroup.com.
About Cera Solutions
CERA Solutions, LLC. specializes in emerging technologies with a focus on tablet and mobile computing and applications. Taking its name from the ancient Roman wax covered tablets, called "Tablulae Cera", that were used to record important transactions, CERA develops solutions for Apple and Droid devices as well as wearable technologies, including Google Glass, to mobilize Fortune 1000 organizations. For more information on CERA Solutions please visit www.cerasolutions.com.
About The American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Founded by six cardiologists in 1924, the organization now includes more than 22.5 million volunteers and supporters working tirelessly to eliminate these diseases. The AHA funds innovative research, fights for stronger public health policies and provides lifesaving tools and information to save and improve lives. For more information about the Chicago Heart Ball visit: http://chicagoheartball.ahaevents.org
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
WestLake Financial Group, Inc.
Jill Dugan-Miller
812-223-1236