Seeing red took on a new (and positive) meaning when the American Heart Association held its annual New Orleans Heart Ball at the Audubon Tea Room.
Guests kicked off the night of April 3 at the patron party, enjoying bites from Dickie Brennan & Co. while the Simon Burke Jazz Trio set a lively tone. Dinner featured a gourmet buffet including carved Delmonico steak, crawfish gnocchi, pecan-crusted Gulf fish and bananas Foster beignets.
The silent auction offered 33 items and the live auction, helmed by Chuck Mutz of Black Tie Productions, showcased three lots. No Idea provided the gala’s music.
The spotlight shone on four extraordinary volunteers who embodied the “Four Chambers” of the Heart — Discovery, Knowledge, Advocacy, and Access — mirroring the human heart. Dr. Keith Ferdinand represented Discovery for his cutting-edge AHA-funded research. Hudson Mobley symbolized Knowledge after using CPR skills to save a life at work. Kristin Cobb Simpson championed Advocacy, helping strengthen CPR and AED laws in honor of her nephew Burke. Gayle Benson represented Access, generously placing AEDs in schools and athletic facilities across Jefferson and Orleans parishes. Together, they showed what it means to put heart into action.
“The Heart Ball celebrates hope and progress through all who support the American Heart Association’s efforts to make an impact on the health of the community,” said Coretta LaGarde, executive director of AHA Greater New Orleans. “It takes a village to make a lasting impact, and we must do whatever it takes to create a better tomorrow for all people in New Orleans.”
Event co-chairs were Dickie Brennan and Steve Pettus.
Fun Fact: Guests donned red or wore accents in red, the color representing heart disease awareness.
