Join Las Vegas’ Big Hearts Who Help Little Hearts at the Third Annual Hearts for Chari-Tea on September 23

Children’s Heart Foundation Honors Southwest Gas While Raising Money for Camp Mend-a-Heart

With at least one in 100 children in the United States born with a congenital heart defect each year, it’s time to raise awareness and honor the champions fighting against what can be a deadly pediatric disease. On Thursday, Sept. 23 at 11 a.m., Las Vegans come together to support Children’s Heart Foundation at the Third Annual Hearts for ChariTEA to raise money directly for the organization’s signature program, Camp Mend-a-Heart. The annual event honors Philanthropist of the Year, Southwest Gas, at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas Grand Ballroom (3960 S. Las Vegas Blvd.).

The only camp of its kind in Nevada, Camp Mend-a-Heart is a cost-free, medically supervised camp for children ages 7-17 receiving medical treatment in Nevada who are born with or develop a heart condition. Camp Mend-a-Heart offers a camping experience with sports, arts & crafts, water games and many other recreational activities and programs associated with a traditional summer camp and is staffed by volunteer counselors, nurses and physicians who give from their hearts to help these special kids. Campers are able to shift their focus from their heart condition to the richness of life that can be experienced even by those with a cardiac diagnosis. They spend time with others, just like them, who understand what it’s like to have a heart condition. Camp Mend-a-Heart allows heart kids to be free from worry of their heart condition, to be a kid, have a traditional overnight camp experience and to forge friendships that will last a lifetime. The cost to send a single camper to Camp Mend-a-Heart is approximately $1,000 and Children’s Heart Foundation has never charged a single camper to attend.

“We are humbled by this recognition and are honored to partner with the Children’s Heart Foundation as they strive to improve the lives of so many children in our community,” says John Hester, president and CEO of Southwest Gas. “Giving back to the people we serve has been a part of this Company’s culture for the past 90 years, whether through employee giving, Foundation donations or volunteerism. We’re looking forward to continuing to make a difference with amazing organizations like Children’s Heart Foundation.”

Women are invited to don their best party dress, break out the pearls, and mix and mingle over afternoon tea and champagne while supporting Children’s Heart Foundation and their mission to provide financial, emotional and educational support for children living with heart conditions in Nevada. Upon entering, attendees will be able to bid on extravagant silent auction items including entertainment packages, beauty baskets, spa certificates, fashion finds, and much more. As guests make their way into the grand ballroom, they will be treated to a full afternoon tea service featuring an assortment of delicious teas, fine wines, finger sandwiches, petit fours, and other sweet treats.

Throughout the tea, consummate emcee and radio personality, Stephanie Mackenzie of 97.1 The Point, will bring awareness to Children’s Heart Foundation and their mission to help heart families throughout Nevada while honoring this year’s Philanthropist of the Year, Southwest Gas. Tickets are $150 per person or $1,200 for a table of eight by calling (702) 967-3522 or emailing chfn@chfn.org. Deadline to RSVP is Sept. 9. For those who cannot attend the event, the silent auction will be available beginning Sept. 16 by visiting www.chfn.org.

Research, education and family assistance are at the heart of Children’s Heart Foundation’s mission. In the United States, congenital heart defects (CHD) are 60 times more prevalent than childhood cancer, and nearly twice as many children die each year as die from all forms of childhood cancers combined. Research, still grossly underfunded in the field of pediatric cardiology, is the greatest hope for children living with a CHD a chance to live long, healthy lives due to medical and surgical advances and expert care. It is the hope this event continues to improve the level of care provided to those impacted by CHD.

Celebrating 90 years of providing clean, affordable natural gas service, Southwest Gas Corporation proudly serves more than 2 million customers in Arizona, California and Nevada with clean and affordable natural gas, safely and reliably. Southwest Gas promotes a culture of giving, employee engagement and integrity on a daily basis and always looks for ways to be involved in the community, whether volunteering at charity events, helping rebuild homes for those less fortunate or providing meals during the holidays. Southwest Gas is dedicated to the integrity of the cities and towns and suburbs served, and through philanthropic giving and volunteering, they are committed to creating a better quality of life in the communities they serve. For more information about Southwest Gas, please visit www.swgas.com.