Matters of the Heart

The American Heart Association’s “Heart & Soul Gala” took place at the Convention Center on June 7 with more than 650 guests in attendance. The evening, chaired by Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich, raised funds to help the AHA to continue the fight against cardiovascular diseases and defects – the No. 1 killer in the state of Louisiana and in the United States. To amplify the theme, EMS vehicles such as ambulances, sprinters, helicopters, bikes and uniforms decorated the halls. Each table was adorned with heart-shaped topiaries from Perino’s Garden Center to assemble the atmosphere.

Guests enjoyed the music of Big Sam’s Funky Nation throughout the elegant cocktail reception and auctions. Some of the highlights of the live auction included a three-night stay at Cal-A-Vie and a Progressive Dine Around for eight. The silent auction encompassed myriad special prizes including a dinner party in your home prepared by Centerplate Executive Chef Stephan Blaser, a progressive dinner for four ending at Commander’s Palace with limousine transportation, riding spots in the Krewe of Argus and several prime catering and luxurious vacation packages.

The lavish dinner menu included delicacies such as sugar cane-braised short ribs, coeur a la tomato tartlet with Creole tomatoes and herbed cheese mousse, baked creamy mascarpone grits and a heart-shaped Meyer lemon tart with chocolate papillion.
One hundred percent of the funds raised through the “Heart & Soul Gala” are invested back into the New Orleans community through educational outreach programs, CPR training and certification, placement of automated external defibrillators and funding for groundbreaking medical research. This year alone, the AHA invested over $2 million into rebuilding research here in New Orleans at such institutions as Louisiana State, Ochsner and Tulane universities to promote a heart-healthy Louisiana.
 


EVENT AT A GLANCE

What: “Heart & Soul Gala,” benefiting the American Heart Association
When:   Saturday, June 7
Where:  Convention Center
 


 

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