45th Annual Miami Heart & Stroke Ball Raises Close to $500,000
Benefiting American Heart Association
The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association held its 45th annual Miami Heart & Stroke Ball on Saturday, March 2, 2013. The premier event drew together hundreds of Miami’s medical, social and philanthropic leaders at the Intercontinental Hotel. Celebrating more than four decades of success, refined history and widespread recognition, the American Heart Association’s Miami Heart & Stroke Ball holds a place in the local spotlight as one of the most continuous and prestigious charity events in Miami. This year’s chairs are Ernesto Perez, President and CEO of Dade Medical College, and Sylvia Perez. The Heart Society Sponsor is Dade Medical College.
More than 400 guests were transported back in time to the roaring 1920s, a decade of elegance, wealth and prosperity. The evening provided guests with a night full of heart-healthy food, live music, dancing and entertainment that captured the glory of the iconic decade. The Master of Ceremonies was Craig Stevens of WSVN Channel 7. Proceeds raised at the event benefit the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.
Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception prior to entering into the 1920s-themed ballroom, where they dined on healthy culinary delights and listened to live music from the Drew T. Live Band. Guests were touched by a heartfelt testimonial from Cathy Quintana, the mother of 8-year-old Gabriel who was born with congenital heart disease and has undergone three open heart surgeries. Gabriel took the stage and thanked everyone for their support before dancing the night away. Attendees generously gave “open your heart” financial contributions that will go toward lifesaving research, education and community programs.
During the special Cor Vitae Awards presentation, the organization honored two esteemed members of the Miami medical community with prestigious awards for their professional accomplishments in advancing the treatment and prevention of heart disease and stroke, which are the No. 1 and No. 4 killers, respectively, of American men and women. Mauro Moscucci, MD, of UHealth, was the recipient of the Cor Vitae Heart Award and Jonathan Cross, MD, of Aventura Hospital, was the recipient of the Cor Vitae Stroke Award. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association presented the 2013 Dr. Sanford L. & Beatrice Ziff Big Heart Humanitarian Award to Alberto Carvalho, Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, for their nutritional policies, encouragement of physical activity and education in and out of the classroom.
After the ball, a group of young professionals who are leading the way in fundraising for the heart health of all Americans celebrated their first annual Miami PULSE party at the same location.
For further information about both events, please visit www.heart.org/miamiheartball or www.miapulse.com
