Here's what Heart-A-Rama raised for heart health causes in 2024

MANITOWOC – Heart-A-Rama raised nearly $100,000 this year to help promote cardiac health-related research and equipment.

Organizers announced this week its 2024 show brought in more than $97,500 from sponsors, advertisers and show guests.

Heart-A-Rama’s Leadership Team presented the American Heart Association Wisconsin with a $64,500 check. The donation will help to fund national research to advance the fight against heart disease and stroke.

In addition, $30,000 will be alotted to buying 14 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for Manitowoc County nonprofits. Heart-A-Rama has donated more than 200 AEDs, batteries, accessories and training to local organizations since 1978.

The nonprofit is giving a higher-than-normal number of AEDs this year because older models are aging or needing new batteries, according to a news release.

Maritime Museum events: ‘Wreck of RMS Titanic,’ Paint Out and Smoke on the Water set at Wisconsin Maritime Museum

Heart-A-Rama began in 1971 as an all-volunteer organization established to raise funds to benefit the American Heart Association.

Each year, hundreds of Manitowoc County volunteers coordinate to produce a one-of-a-kind variety show. This year’s theme was “Heart-A-Rama Goes to Space” and included skits “Roundabouts in Space,” “Crash in the Cornfield” and “Sputnik Hop.”

The effort has raised more than $3.2 million in its 52 years.

Mark your calendars: the 2025 show is set for May 1-3 and May 8-10.

Learn more at heartarama.org .

Foster parenting: Looking to be a foster parent? Manitowoc County Foster Program event will show you how.

Contact reporter Patti Zarling pzarling@gannett.com or call 920-606-2575. Follow her on X @PGPattiZarling and on Instagram @PGPatti.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Here's what Heart-A-Rama raised for heart health causes in 2024