The American Heart Association’s first Virtual Tri-County Heart Ball raised more than $200,000 to help fight heart disease and stroke in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.

The event brought Vegas to more than 200 tri-county homes, with overall attendance topping 500.

The virtual event, held on May 21, paid tribute to American Heart Association team member Nick McGahagan, who died in March. He accepted a development director position with the American Heart Association in his hometown of Youngstown last May.

A video highlighted the area’s heart children since 1968. The 2020 Heart Hero, Wesley Franklin, and his parents, Will and Jessica, shared their story.

To donate to the 2020 Tri-County Virtual Heart Ball campaign, visit heart.org/tricountyheartball.