Event Date: February 11, 2023
Location: The Post Oak at Uptown
Event: Gala
Beneficiary: American Heart Association
No. of Attendees: 450
Money Raised: $1,200,000
Chairperson: Olivier Le Peuch
Honoree: HCA Healthcare Foundation
Emcee: Khambrel Marshall
Entertainment: Gulf Coast Entertainment for Manhattan Band; Demola
Photography: Wilson Parish and Daniel Ortiz
Houston Heart Ball Didn’t Skip a Beat with “Every Beat. Everywhere”
The Post Oak at Uptown pulsated with excitement as 450 guests, which included Chair Olivier Le Peuch and Honoree HCA Healthcare, celebrated the 39th annual Heart Ball, themed “Every Beat. Everywhere.”
During the cocktail hour before the gala, attendees were greeted by Nigerian-born and now Houston-based hip-hop violinist Demola, who performed original and classic tunes to everyone’s delight as he traveled through the reception.
Once inside the festive ballroom, emcee and Channel 2 Meteorologist Khambrel Marshall stepped up the “beat” by welcoming everyone and sharing the importance of the life-saving work and mission of American Heart Association. He introduced AHA Board President Dr. Doug Lawson and the gala chair to the stage, where they recognized the transformative nutrition security work of the evening’s honoree.
Highlights from the evening program included a delectable dinner featuring a beautiful “surf and turf” presentation of Herb Roasted Tenderloin and Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass, a lively live auction showcasing trips to Hawaii, Rhine River and Old Town Puerto Vallarta and a tender and “heartfelt” Open Your Heart moment, which included a video introducing an 11-year-old heart disease survivor.
Guests raised their glasses to toast the conclusion of the stage program and made their way to the dance floor, where they were entertained by the sounds of the electrifying Manhattan Band until the wee hours. Definitely, not a “beat” was skipped as $1.2 million was raised to support the organization’s mission!
Socially present (not previously mentioned): Isabelle Le Peuch, April and Dr. Jorge Salazar, Kim Williams, Chuck Pyle, Seliece and Lee Womble, Valarie and Nick Tran, Sabirah Rayford, Julie and Ron Finck, Jim Postl, Debbie and Jack Moore, Judy and Russ Labrasca, Randy Walker, Laura and Bruce Miller, Anne Neeson, Rachel Clingman, Mandy and Zach Daily, and Kristyn and Marty Hogan
