'Mattress Mack' to be auctioneer at 2015 Montgomery County Heart Ball

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - Lights, camera, action! The roaring twenties will return to Montgomery County for the 20th anniversary of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Montgomery County Heart Ball, chaired by Richard and Sherry Lane. Themed “Flaps, Spats, and Top Hats,” the $1 million fundraising ball and gala, which will take place February 21, 2015 at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott, boasts to be bigger, and better than last year with a $40,000 auction item already sold, and a community icon on board as auctioneer.

The AHA is pleased to announce Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale will be lending his sale techniques. This comes weeks after an elusive trip for eight to Napa Valley, California sold for $40,000. The trip, which will offer wine tastings and a 4-day, 3-night stay in a Quintess home, is the first auction item to be sold.

“We are thrilled to have Jim “Mattress Mack,” McIngvale on board as the Heart Ball auctioneer. Jim has been a pivotal icon in the Houston community, as well as Montgomery County, for the past 20 years. He is a proud supporter of the American Heart Association and with his valuable skills in sales, and connections in the community, I am positive we will be able to sell every item in the auction,” said Richard Lane, co-chair of the Montgomery County Heart Ball.

The event’s live and silent auctions will feature exciting experiences and items including art deco jewelry, a wine dinner, an exclusive private party at Fielding’s Creekside location prior to their grand opening, a BMW Z4 lease for a weekend getaway, a trip to New York, and a hunting experience. Attendees will also be dazzled by a 1920’s style Speakeasy, which will include entertainment and photo opportunities. Live music will be played throughout the evening by In10City that is sure to get everyone dancing!

On top of the evening’s entertainment, a powerful survivor video will cap off the night. The video, showcasing 20 years of one Montgomery County family, focuses on the struggles and challenges the family has overcome over the years.

Their incredible story of tragedy, and perseverance will bring tears to the crowd’s eyes. ABC 13 investigative reporter, Ted Oberg, will also be joining the AHA as the event emcee.

The annual black-tie event is one of the premier AHA events both locally and nationally. In the last 20 years, the Heart Ball has raised more than $3.5 million for the AHA’s critical mission. Each year, nearly 700 people attend this important event to help the AHA raise crucial funds for the hearts of Montgomery County.

In 2014, Montgomery County’s philanthropic community raised more than $700,000 in support of lifesaving research and educational programs to fight cardiovascular diseases and stroke, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), the first implantable artificial heart, Heart Stenting, Thrombolytic (clot dissolving drugs) to help reverse strokes, required automatic external defibrillators in schools and airplanes, and smoking bans in workplaces, restaurants, and other public places in many cities and some states across the country.

Tickets to the annual Montgomery County Heart Ball are $300 for individuals, and $1,000 for couples, with remaining tables starting at $3,000. Tickets are available at the link provided below, or by phone (713) 610-5079. For more information, please contact Michele Shifflett. Find out more by visiting www.facebook.com/ahamontgomery.