Heartbeat-La Chaine de l'Espoir held a Ceremony of Recognition to honor the commitment of its major contributors. H.E. Leila El Solh Hamadeh (Al Waleed bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation), H.E. Raymond Audi (Bank Audi), Mrs. Rose Choueiri (Choueiri Group), and the Casino du Liban (represented by Mr. Hamid Kreideh) were the distinguished honorees. The Hôtel-Dieu de France hospital was also recognized for being a primary partner in Heartbeat's mission.
More than 200 people including of a host of official figures such as H.E. Sélim Jreissati, H.E. Vrej Saboundjian, Reverend Father Sélim Daccache, Mrs. Mona Hraoui, Mrs. Hoda Siniora, Mr. Ziad Baroud, General Dib Tobeily, Father Joseph Nassar, and many other socio-political Lebanese figures, attended the ceremony in the Nadège and Henri Obegi Auditorium of the Hôtel-Dieu de France hospital. Dr. Issam El-Rassi presented an overview of the organization's past activities and recent medical achievements. "The organization treated more than 200 children in 2012," he said.
The core of Heartbeat's mission is not to leave any child afflicted with congenital heart disease (CHD) without treatment for lack of funds. "Without the support of its partners and contributors, the association could not have treated over 1,200 children in the past eight years," said Dr. Ramzi Ashoush, the Chairman of the organization.
For the first time in its history, the Al Waleed bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation, recognized the work of an organization. H.E. Leila El Solh Hamadeh presented Heartbeat with an award recognizing its achievements and sustained efforts to save the lives of children with CHD.
"We are continuously solicited for sponsorships, so we have to choose those organizations that make the most impact. We have partnered with Heartbeat on this basis," said H.E. Raymond Audi, Chairman of Bank Audi.
A legacy of the late Antoine Choueiri, Heartbeat's relationship with the Choueiri Group has thrived under the direction of Mrs. Rose Choueiri and her family, and has grown beyond the typical involvement into a rich a deeply rewarding mentorship for both.
ABOUT THE TROPHY
Each of the nominated contributors was presented with a trophy specially designed for Heartbeat by Karim Chaya.
ABOUT HEARTBEAT
Heartbeat is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide the highest level of advanced surgical technology and expertise to treat children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Founded in 2006, Heartbeat generates its funds through annual concerts and gala dinners, as well as through the generous support of its donors, sponsors, and partners. It has treated over 1,200 children from Lebanon and the Middle East so far, including more than 200 children in 2012 alone.
