News Release

American Heart Association Announces
the Clinton County 'Gala in the Garden'

(QUAD CITIES) February 25, 2004 – The Clinton County Gala in the Garden, a fund-raiser for the American Heart Association in Clinton, announced they would be hosting their event on April 24, 2004, at the Clinton Country Club. This event is presenting by Mercy Medical Health System and the Mercy Foundation. Mr. Tom & Sharon Hesselmann are the co-chairs of the event.

The Clinton County Gala in the Garden, will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a Pianist during the social hour and silent auction. Dinner will follow and then a live auction, hosted by masters of ceremonies, Tom Hesselmann.

“With cardiovascular disease and stroke being the number one and number three killers of Americans, we are all affected in one way or another,” said Mr. Hesselmann, 2004 Co-Chair. “Gala offers guests a fun evening but it’s also a great opportunity for members of the community to make a difference and support the American Heart Association’s fight against this devastating disease as well.”

For corporate tables or more information on Gala in the Garden please call the American Heart Association at 323-4321.

About the American Heart Association:
The American Heart Association spent about $382 million during fiscal year 2000-2001 on research support, public and professional education, and community programs. Nationwide, the organization has grown to include more than 22.5 million volunteers and supporters who carry out its mission in communities across the country. The association is the largest nonprofit voluntary health organization fighting heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, which annually kill about 960,000 Americans. For more information about heart disease and stroke, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit our Web site at www.americanheart.org.