Heart disease and stroke are the number one killers of men and women in Shawnee County and Saturday night the community got together to help raise funds to fight those killers.

The 2007 American Heart Association Heart Gala was hosted by 13's own Melissa Brunner and Ralph Hipp.

Each year the Heart Gala Planning Committee chooses a child who has been affected by heart disease to be an ambassador for the event.

This year's heart child is 11-year-old Shayla Bleidissel. Shayla has a congenital heart disease.

Proceeds raised at the gala help fund cardiovascular research, education and community service programs in our area.