Originally published January 29, 2012, on PlanetHeart.com. This archived story documents a past charitable event. The fundraiser, ticket sales, voting, and donation campaign have ended.
HeartMark™ takes the dance floor for a good cause
In February 2012, Planet Heart founder Tali Lehavi participated in Dancing with the Stars Arizona at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, helping raise awareness and funds for the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona.
The event also brought the HeartMark™—the heart hand gesture invented by Tali Lehavi, which Lehavi patented and trademarked—into ballroom dance. The HeartMark™ had already inspired stories, characters, jewelry, room décor, wellness concepts, and choreographed movement.
Between 2001 and 2011, Lehavi developed multiple original dance routines featuring this heart hand gesture. The Arizona fundraiser marked the gesture’s first appearance in a ballroom dance competition.
Dancing with heart
Lehavi stepped onto the dance floor in support of the foundation’s work serving people affected by chronic kidney disease. The performance reflected a theme that has continued throughout her creative life: using art, movement, and heart-centered ideas to encourage connection and contribute to the community.
The original campaign invited supporters to vote, attend the Motown-themed event, and contribute to the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona. Those calls to action are no longer active, but the event remains part of Planet Heart’s history and the evolving story of the HeartMark™.
Archive note: The original post included event ticket prices, donation instructions, health statistics, a promotional video link, and event artwork. Those time-sensitive elements have been omitted because the campaign has ended and the original links or permissions may no longer be current.