Amazing Spaces’ President to lead local effort driving equitable health

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- As plans are underway for the 2023 Montgomery County Heart Ball, Kathy Tautenhahn has been named chair, in loving memory of her husband Scott Tautenhahn, of this year’s community-wide campaign. The Heart Ball celebrates progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association’s Heart of Montgomery County, a year-round effort aimed at investing in and saving and improving lives in Montgomery County.

“Kathy Tautenhahn exemplifies true leadership and commitment through lived experiences and is the ideal person to champion our Heart Ball campaign. As a trusted member of this community, she understands first-hand the impact the mission and work of the American Heart Association can have on every person who lives in this area. We welcome Kathy to the Heart of Montgomery County, an initiative that centers around better health for every individual by focusing on critical issues and work to equitably improve and save lives,” says TJ Tijerina, American Heart Association’s Gulf Coast Board Chair, First Community Credit Union President and CEO.

The American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives is very personal for Kathy. Because of a routine checkup Scott Tautenhahn discovered he had three of the four main arteries blocked and received triple bypass surgery. Though Scott had no symptoms, he was able to receive life-saving care. That care gave him many more years to be with his family and help raise his two boys. Health equity and early detection are very important to the Tautenhahn family.

“I am honored to serve as Chair of the 2023 Montgomery County Heart Ball,” said Kathy Tautenhahn. “Scott was always willing to share the story of his heart disease with others. This grassroots effort to share a story of a loved one can help save lives throughout our community. You never know the effect you can have on someone's life. I am eager to work together with our outstanding team of volunteers and the American Heart Association as we all advocate to make a difference in the well-being of people in this community. Together, we must continue to do whatever we can to make a lasting impact to ensure every community can get routine checkups no matter their circumstances.”

The 2023 Montgomery County Heart Ball is sponsored by St. Luke’s Health – The Woodlands Hospital, Presenting Sponsor. Other sponsors include Memorial Hermann The Woodlands, Waste Connections, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, Woodforest National Bank, Larry and Mari Harvey, Kiewit/TLC, Kitchell Contractors, Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, Tony and Amy Torres, and slated for Saturday, February 25, 2023, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. The annual celebratory event is a night to honor survivors, patrons and volunteers of the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health. We’ve saved lives for nearly a century – and we’re just getting started. Join us as we head into our Second Century as we build a future of equitable health for all. For more information on how to support or attend the Montgomery County Heart Ball, visit montgomerycountyheartball.heart.org or contact Lisa Fenley, Lisa.Fenley@heart.org.

The American Heart Association’s Heart of Montgomery County campaign is a year-round effort culminating at the annual Heart Ball. The initiative raises funds to support the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives while supporting priority issues in Montgomery County. Nutrition security, hypertension control, and women's health have been identified by the American Heart Association Gulf Coast board for 2022-23 to propel work to support the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal by reducing barriers to health care access and quality.