BRIDGEWATER VOLUNTEERS FOR HEART BALL
Drs. Sara and Shawn Sanders Candace and Walker Tann These friends and next door neighbors have joined together to support the American Heart Association’s premier event, the Metro Jackson Heart Ball.
Sara and Shawn Sanders
Drs. Sara and Shawn Sanders are with Baptist Premier and Baptist Heart in Jackson,
respectively. They have lived in Bridgewater for five years and love its location. Their
daughter Charlotte (11) and son Wilson (9) both attend St. Andrew’s Episcopal School.
The Sanders enjoy spending time at their weekend home in New Orleans - watching the
Saints and Pelicans, listening to local music, and eating at their favorite local
restaurants. When asked why they support the American Heart Association, Shawn
said, “It’s because we both take care of patients affected by heart disease. The AHA
does a great job of raising community awareness of the prevalence of heart disease.
Everyone in Mississippi has had family members or friends affected, and sometimes
people develop problems just from their family history alone, despite living a healthy
lifestyle.” After being involved with the local AHA in various roles over the past several
years, Shawn said, “Sara and I are honored to chair this year’s Heart Ball. We’ve asked
a lot of great artists to contribute work for the live auction. We also wanted to get the
Tanns involved on the Executive Leadership Team since they are such great friends and
generous people.”
Candace and Walker Tann have lived in Bridgewater for six years. “That’s saying a lot,
being that I’m in real estate and have lived in 14 houses, including one for only 22
days”, Walker says. Walker co-owns Nix-Tann & Associates with his mother, Becky.
Candace and Walker also have two children, sons Will (8) and Abbott (3), who both
attend Jackson Academy and love living in the neighborhood where they often have
pick-up basketball games with friends and neighbors on their street. The family enjoys
traveling, snow skiing, visiting family in Arizona, and spending time watching Will play
sports. When asked why they agreed to serve on the Heart Ball Executive Leadership
team, Walker replied, “We have chosen to support the AHA because both Candace and
I are personally affected by heart disease. We also have a family history on both sides
of cardiac disease and congestive heart failure, and we believe there is no better
organization to bring awareness. Knowing how much the American Heart Association
means to the Sanders, we were honored that they asked for our support.“
The 46th Annual Metro Jackson Heart Ball will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024,
at the Country Club of Jackson. This year’s event will be a special celebration as we
recognize the Centennial Celebration of the American Heart Association. Elizabeth Ann
Miskelly Howell and Dr. Tyler Howell will serve as the Open Your Heart Honorees and
share the story of Tyler’s recent cardiac arrest and the amazing events that took place
to save his life, including receiving immediate CPR by Elizabeth Ann. The live auction
will feature amazing local artists such as Ellen Langford, Charlie Buckley, Lisa Busby,
Bill Dunlap, and more. Lee Michaels will donate a piece of fine jewelry to be featured in
the live auction as well. 100% of the funds raised through Heart Ball will stay in
Mississippi to help support community impact projects addressing the health needs in
our state, CPR education, and research for future life-saving discoveries.
For information on corporate sponsorship, to purchase tickets, or to make a 100% tax
deductible mission donation, contact Jordan Walker, Heart Ball Director, at
Jordan.Walker@Heart.org or 601.321.1215, or visit www.heart.org/jxnheartball.
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier
lives. The organization is dedicated to ensuring equitable health in Mississippi. Through
collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, the
AHA funds innovative research, advocates for the health of the public, and shares
lifesaving resources. The American Heart Association has been a leading source of
health information for nearly a century. Connect with the American Heart Association’s
local social media channels @ahamississippi.