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As the father of a daughter who was born with Pulmonary Stenosis and had to undergo open heart surgery when she was only a month old, followed by two more procedures before she was even four months old, I'll admit, the work that the American Heart Association does is, no pun intended, very close to my heart. It's for this reason that I was especially thrilled to hear that the AHA's "The Heart of Houston" virtual gala this year was such a resounding success. 

Before the hard winter freeze descended upon Houston this past week, the American Heart Association hosted its first virtual gala, The Heart of Houston, in place of its annual Heart Ball. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, the annual event pushed forward with an only slightly-less social spirit than in past years, though, from the overwhelming response, it seems the joy of common-cause related celebration was in full effect. This year, the Heart Ball was reimagined to be a year-round campaign with a goal to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most, like my daughter. 

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On Thursday, February 11th, The American Heart Association raised $1.5 million to fund its research and education programs that will improve the health and well-being of our neighbors and ultimately save lives from heart disease and stroke.

The Heart of Houston virtual gala took philanthropic efforts beyond the ballroom to connect hearts across the city. Hundreds of community members, medical professionals and corporate leaders joined the live virtual event from living rooms all over Houston to support and celebrate the heart-healthy organization’s mission. 

While some dressed up in gowns and tuxes and others cozied up in their loungewear, attendees enjoyed artisanal charcuterie boxes and crudités from A Fare Extraordinaire that were delivered to their doors, as emcee and Fox 26 anchor, Melissa Wilson, kicked off the digital experience. Virtual party-goers were treated to music by the Veritas quintet and also had the exclusive opportunity to watch world-renowned, Grammy Award-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma (pictured below) performing from his home in Boston. Guests had the chance to bid on luxury silent and live auction items, such as a weekend getaway with private jet, luxury tasting experiences at Ouzo and Bludorn Restaurant, a week’s escape to Destin, Florida, as well as a case of 100-point wines and other delectable finds in the wine auction.

Rodolfo Sandoval, a purple heart recipient, Vietnam veteran and grandfather to his five granddaughters, was this year's survivor honoree. Gala honorees Kathleen Allen and Shirley and Skip Allen were acknowledged by American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown and former National AHA Chairman Jim Postl, and many others.