The “New Orleans Heart Ball” highlighted the diversity of heart disease this year, emphasized through its “Walk a Mile in My Heart” exhibit. Guests strolled through a red fabric draped maze featuring dramatic floor lighting while seeing the many faces of heart disease and learning how heart disease affects people’s health, faith, community, well-being and livelihood. The exhibit showed guests the important, vast reach of their support for our community through their support of the local American Heart Association.
Guests were welcomed to the Hyatt Regency New Orleans with a red carpet photo area accented by a wall of deep red roses constructed by Wink Design & Events. Highball tables were decorated with vibrant limes, lemons and artichokes, which were provided by Winn-Dixie and donated to Second Harvest Food Bank after the event.
The program highlight was the Open Your Heart Moment, featuring Jennifer Hale. Three years ago, after months of strange symptoms, Hale was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. At the time of her diagnosis, her heart was down to 16 percent pumping capacity. Hale shared her tale about how excusing, ignoring and justifying the symptoms of heart failure nearly cost her her future. Her survival story inspired numerous donations totaling more than $20,000 that night.
After a three-course dinner catered by the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, guests enjoyed dancing to a mix of old school and top 40 hits performed by The Remixers.
Seven exciting items were auctioned live, chief of which was an Italian Villa Vacation donated by chef Andrea Apuzzo. More than 40 items were featured at the silent auction, including a $2,500 gift basket donated by Saks Fifth Avenue.
This year’s Heart Ball was Co-Chaired by Jessica Brandt and Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich. The Patron Chair was Diane Hollis.
The “2019 New Orleans Heart Ball” was presented by Ray and Jessica Brandt, and locally sponsored by Chevron, Entergy, Tulane Health System, Lake Lawn Metairie, LSU Health Foundation, Cox, LAMMICO, DIS, United Healthcare, Hancock Whitney, Humana, Home Bank, and Corvel. Media sponsors include The New Orleans Advocate and WVUE-TV/Fox 8.
Event at a Glance
What: “New Orleans Heart Ball,” benefiting American Heart Association
When: Saturday, June 15
Where: Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Kevin and Hollie Erickson
Mark and Jean Hatfield, Leah Brown and Martin Irons
Dani Lisotta, Elizabeth Lowry and Tim Burke
Nick Adams and Tom Patrias
Lynn and Drew Marsh with Demetric Mercadel
