THE Heart Ball committee recently met to make final preparations for the 2012 Heart Ball, the major annual fundraising event for the Sir Victor Sassoon Heart Foundation . Described as "an evening filled with love, laughter, excitement, dancing and a soulful good time", the Heart Ball committee said the ball will allow those in attendance to help raise money to repair the hearts of children. "The Heart Ball committee is working arduously to ensure that this ball is better than any before. Last year, The Heart Foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary. At the start of the year 2012, we move forward with greater financial need and thus greater challenges, as we seek to help the Heart Foundation repair hearts," said the committee's public relations officer, Ingrid Sears. "The Heart Ball committee is working with a renewed determination to ensure that we maintain the legacy of the founder and also the foundation. Additionally, we wish to ensure that patrons are encouraged to attend future Heart Balls and continue to help to repair broken hearts." Last year, the foundation raised over $250,000. However, all of this money has already been spent helping to repair children's hearts. "Heart surgeries are not cheap and many parents simply cannot afford the cost of heart surgeries for their children. One child's heart surgery can cost over $50,000, despite negotiated terms. As such, a group of committed individuals are seeking to help reduce this financial burden, to parents who cannot afford it, as they try to care for their love ones," the Heart Foundation said. "At present, there are 11 patients in need of heart surgeries. It is anticipated that more children will need heart care during the year, and many of their parents will not be able to afford it. The funds raised from this event, will help the Heart Foundation to repair the hearts of children." Under the theme, "Repairing a broken Heart...What a Gift", the 48th Annual Heart Ball will be held on Saturday, February 18, at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort. The event will be held under the patronage of Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes and Joan Lady Foulkes. There will be live performances by The Ed Brice Orchestra, The S-G Band (Soulful Groovers) and The Royal Bahamas Defence Force Dance Band. Highlights of the ball are expected to include the naming of The Lady Sassoon Golden Heart Award winner, who would have been selected from of pool of worthy persons nominated for their humanitarian acts to improve the lives of others. Additionally, the Heart Ball committee said, guests can win table prizes, raffle prizes or auction items. Some of the prizes up for grabs include a round-trip ticket for two on British Airways to London; round-trip tickets for two on Air Canada and hotel accommodations in Canada; an emerald and diamond ring, spa treatments and dinners. There will also be paintings and prints from the likes of the late Chan Pratt, Clifford Fernander, Nettica Symonette, and many more artists. Corporate sponsors can look forward to dance floor accommodations, champagne and special treats provided by John Bull, the committee said. The Heart Ball committee is the fundraising arm of The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation. The foundation's main goal is to assist persons, primarily children, with heart care. Additionally, the foundation, in conjunction with the Bahamas Heart Association, aims to pro-actively educate and inform persons residing in The Bahamas about heart care and how to lead heart healthy lifestyles. The Heart Foundation is a non-profit organisation established in 1961 by Lady Evelyn Sassoon to assist persons in need, with heart care.