The Aiken Women's Heart Board recently presented a check to the representatives of the South Carolina Chapter of the American Heart Association for $131,200 at the group's wrap-up luncheon.
This represents the net proceeds of the effort by the Aiken community of volunteers and exceeds donations from past Heart Show annual benefits, bringing the total to more than $1.83 million.
The show, "Hero's Retreat," ran six performances, each to a full house, at the Etherredge Center from Feb. 25 to March 1. This year's show was written by a collaborative effort led by Jim Moore.
Moore has written and directed the show for 37 years, with Agnes Hobson serving as assistant director. Darrell Rains served as musical director.
This is the 46th Heart Show in Aiken, with all proceeds going to support the South Carolina Chapter of the American Heart Association.
The Heart Show this year kicked off with the annual Heart Board Tea in January, held at the historic residence of Jane and Bob Hottensen, known as Crossways Plantation.
The band, under the direction of Rains, gets its music as early as November. The cast and musicians work to rehearse beginning in January each year by the singers.
Food is prepared by the Heart Board ladies each rehearsal and show.
Behind the scenes, the women of the Heart Board joined the volunteers who create the sets, found costumes and props, ensuring tickets are sold and serving as hostesses and ushers.
Eleanor Bookstaver served the organization until her death in 2012. Under the guidance of Heart Board President Teresa Haas, and the board of 45 member, this year's efforts have again provided a sizable donation to the American Heart Association.
A summer performance is planned for July 21 and 22, a will feature favorite music from past benefits, performed by members of the Heart Show cast and musicians. The proceeds from the July performances will be split between the American Heart Association and the scholarship fund for USC Aiken theater students. Tickets will be sold through the Etherredge Center ticket office.