party watch
Houstonians give with gusto at $2.3 million good-hearted annual ball
What: The 2019 Houston Heart Ball
Where: The Hilton Americas - Houston
The scoop: American Heart Association recently hosted the 2019 Houston Heart Ball and raised a massive $2.3 million to fund its research and education programs that will change communities — and ultimately save lives from heart disease and stroke. Held at the Hilton Americas-Houston, 700 community members, medical professionals, and corporate leaders gathered for an unforgettable evening celebrating the arts, culture, and philanthropic spirit of Houston.
This year’s theme, Imagine with Heart, brought a whimsical essence to the evening and encouraged guests to imagine a world where longer, healthier lives exist. Guests began the evening sipping on cocktails and participating in the silent auction featuring unique items ranging from a beautiful Oscar de la Renta shoulder bag donated by the designer to floor seats at a Houston Rockets game.
Guests made their way to the ballroom to delight in a gourmet dinner provided by Hilton Americas including grilled beef tenderloin with red wine jus paired with roasted Chilean sea bass and blood orange reduction, asparagus risotto and grilled brussels sprouts and black forest chocolate gateau or carrot cake to top it off.
The evening was focused on children with congenital heart defects, which was highlighted in this year’s survivor video that honored the Cager family and filled guests with hope. The video served as a reminder of the reason to celebrate the lifesaving work of AHA.
The evening also included a surprise performance from the Children’s Choir. Rounding out the program, attendees participated in the live auction with luxury packages ranging from private jet escapes to the chance to blend your own half barrel of wine in Sonoma County, California with the help of wine master Greg La Follette.
After an exciting auction, guests were invited to stay for the Young at Heart After Party hosted by AHA’s young professionals group where things stayed lively on the dance floor as the Georgia Bridgwater Orchestra kept party-goers on their feet for the rest of the night.
Who: Debbie and Jack Moore, Rachel and Tim Dash, Arvia and Jason Few, Dr. David Persse, The Cager Family, Hallie Vanderhider, Fady Armanious, Lacey and Matt Goossen, Ann and Peter Fluor, Dr. Renu and Suresh Khator, Vicki Hollub and Glenn Vige, Janiece Longoria and Stephen Lasher, Brenda and Marc Watts, Judy and Chuck Stokes, Janet and John Carrig, Beth Madison, Willie and Linda Chiang, Lisa and Jerry Simon, Kevin Black and Tony Bradfield, Todd and Jenny Abbott, Dr. James Grotta, Greg Hill, Steve Trauber, and Jim and Beverly Postl.