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
Leadership in Action: CEO Theresa Roemer Credits Mother, Mentors and Mindset for Accomplishments

How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

Keep Reading Show less

Gayla Gardner, Jacquie Baly and Julie Baker Finck

THE DOCTOR IS in! One of Houston’s most engaged civic leaders, Jacquie Baly, has a new title after earning her Doctorate in Education and Organizational Change & Leadership from USC. And some of the city’s heavy hitters turned up for a swanky reception at Tony’s to congratulate her. “Education and community leadership go hand in hand,” said Dr. Baly. “This honor fuels my continued mission to create meaningful change.”

And they weren’t alone in their admiration. Both the City of Houston and the State of Texas declared the day of the to-do “Dr. Jacquie Baly Day,” complete with official proclamations.

Keep Reading Show less
Style+Culture

Houston Arboretum

WE ALL LOVE a Rodeo, but sometimes we need options for events that have a different energy, speed — and crowd size. Check out some artsy, unique happenings around Houston in March!

Keep Reading Show less