The annual Heart Ball, hosted by the American Heart Association New Orleans, gave guests the red-carpet treatment for its Old Hollywood-themed gala, blending timeless elegance with a life-saving mission on June 1 at the InterContinental New Orleans.
Highlighting the evening’s cause, Jen Hale, renowned sports journalist for the NFL on Fox and who covers the New Orleans Pelicans, delivered a moving Open Your Heart speech. In 2018, Hale revealed she was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy during the 2016 NFL season with 16% heart function rate. She wore a portable defibrillator for six months until medication helped get her heart rate back to normal.
T-Ray the Violinist set a high note at the patron party while Acme Oyster House and Dickie Brennan & Co. served favorite bites.
Event Chair Stephanie Burks says about the event: “In my numerous years as an American Heart Association volunteer, I’ve witnessed a great deal of progress in the fight against heart disease and stroke. By supporting initiatives like the Heart Ball, which advance health and hope, we are not just changing lives, we are saving them, one heartbeat at a time.”
During the gala, a silent auction further boosted funds as did Chuck Mutz of Black Tie Productions, who conducted an animated live auction.
The Heart Ball also marked a major milestone: the 100th anniversary of the national American Heart Association, marking a century of strides in cardiovascular health.
Fun Fact: Red carpet interviews of attendees were done by the COOL Cooperative, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for middle and high school students in the film industry.
