Full Hearts, Can’t Lose: AHA Raises Astounding $2.3 Mil at Heart Ball

Daniel Ortiz and Wilson Parish
Full Hearts, Can’t Lose: AHA Raises Astounding $2.3 Mil at Heart Ball

Robert and Lisa Hearn

THE BALLROOM AT the Hilton Americas has sat rather empty for the past couple of years, only occasionally hosting a luncheon or VIP event. But this year’s Heart Ball had hundreds of black-tie-clad Houstonians bursting through the double-doors, eager to party and raise funds for the American Heart Association.


The ‘Journeys of the Heart’ gala took on a theme of travel, something many have missed out on since the dawn of the pandemic. A Champagne reception preceded the main program, which took flight as emcee — or Captain — Khambrel Marshall welcomed guests along with honorees Ann and Peter Fluor and Lacey and Matt Goossen.

Dinner included a main course of stout-braised beef short rib with seared Chilean seabass, and a raucous live auction touted items like trips to Hawaii and Istanbul, and a 100-point case of wine. The energy remained high as the Taylor Pace Orchestra took to the stage, compelling everyone to hit the dance floor.

April and Jorge Salazar

Molly and Jim Crownover

Marcelo Saenz and Adrian Duenas

Ann and Peter Fluor

Lacey and Matt Goossen

Chairs Joanne Houck and Tim Singletary

Rachel and Tim Dash

Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell models Valobra ring

Lydia Davis and Andrew Johnson

American Heart Association's Mel Edwards

Amber Baker, Doug Lawson, John King and Suzie Kupiec

John Schlosser

Khambrel Marshall

Parties
‘Natural Passion’ Makes Fourth-Gen Houstonian Sarah Callaway Sulma a Realty Star

AS A FOURTH-generation Houstonian, Sarah Callaway Sulma has a unique and invaluable view of the city. Her deep seeded connection to Houston led her down the path to becoming one the city's most well-respected, and renowned real estate agents. Sarah's natural passion for the real estate industry from a young age led her to where she is today. "I know that it sounds cheesy, but it is the truth! I wanted to be in real estate from a young age," Sarah shares. "The late-great restaurateur, Tony Vallone, put me together with real estate legend, Martha Turner, and Martha put me together with Cathy Cagle. The rest is history-13 years of success and counting!" Now with over 13 years in real estate and $55M+ in residential real estate sales, Sarah brings a rare combination of knowledge, skill, and advocacy to each one of her clients.

Keep ReadingShow less

THE MEANING OF “cool” evolves. In the ’50s you might have thought greasers were cool, with their leather jackets à la Danny Zuko. In the ’70s, a long-haired activist or a Studio 54 reveler in Halston. In the ’80s, a Wall Street master of the universe?

Keep ReadingShow less
People + Places

Gong Cha's Pride Lemon Ai Love Yu bubble tea (photo by Jayna Kropas)

HOUSTON RESTAURANTS, BARS and other venues are getting in on the month of fun with specials and donation opportunities in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. From glittering rainbow cake to eye-popping cocktails and rooftop movies, check out these local spots.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food