“Like many of the women who serve on the Heart Ball Committee, my life has been profoundly impacted by heart disease,” Patricia Watts says. “My parents, grandparents, spouse, and many of my friends have suffered from heart disease in its various forms, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. The fact that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women and the No. 2 killer of men in the United States has compelled me to act. Through the fundraising efforts of the Heart Ball Committee, the American Heart Association is able to fund lifesaving research, education, and advocacy. It is a privilege and a pleasure for me to serve.”
Watts, in addition to her role as the COO of Greenlight Communities, a vertically integrated developer of attainable rental housing, is the 2025 chair-elect of the Phoenix Heart Ball (PhoenixHeartBall.Heart.org).
And although the Heart Ball Committee itself is made up only of women, Watts’ husband, Robert Lyles, CEO of Greenlight Communities, is also a champion of the mission, so he makes it a point to be involved in other ways and through related events. In fact, together, the couple underwrites the organization’s golf tournament, the annual Golf 4 Heart, which took place at the end of October at Starfire Golf Club.
“We hope to be able to advocate for heart health and spread the mission of the American Heart Association through the hosting of this tournament,” Watts says. “One hundred percent of the funds raised benefits the American Heart Association.”
This year’s golf event saw 120 golfers who enjoyed a competitive day on the course, followed by music, appetizers, and a raffle.
But that’s not the only way Watts and Lyles support the American Heart Association.
“We know that lives can be saved through CPR. People who suffer a cardiac arrest and receive immediate CPR are two to three times more likely to survive,” Watts shares. “That knowledge has compelled us to require CPR training for all our employees, have AEDs readily available in our offices and on our construction sites, and become advocates for heart health in the construction, development, and property management industries. We do what we can to make sure every person working with us has the training and equipment required to save a life.”
This month, Watts and Lyles will attend the 65th Annual Phoenix Heart Ball on Nov. 23 at The Phoenician.
“This year’s ball is particularly meaningful, as it also marks the 100th anniversary of the American Heart Association,” Watts explains. “The theme for this year’s ball is Celebrating Traditions, and the Heart Ball Committee will be honoring the 64 previous Heart Ball chairs and their tremendous contributions to the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association.”
Rather than a dedicated fundraising event, the annual Heart Ball is strictly a celebratory event, celebrating the success of the past year and toasting the chair and committee.
“The Heart Ball Committee is a group of over 100 women, many with a personal connection to heart disease and stroke. These women have diverse backgrounds and diverse skill sets but come together knowing the power of a team is so much more than what an individual can accomplish,” Watts says.
It’s all heart, for the heart.