Big hearts, big wallets
Wine-filled Dallas gala pulls a cork-popping $5.4 million for American Heart Association
What: Côtes du Coeur benefiting American Heart Association
Where: Omni Dallas Hotel
The 411: Patrons sipped and bid, bid and sipped their way to a record-breaking night at the 30th anniversary edition of American Heart Association's fine wine auction and celebrity chef dinner, Côtes du Coeur.
Attendees of the sold-out August 21 gala savored a six-course dinner and wine pairings from 27 renowned U.S. wineries. Throughout the night, they placed competitive bids in a silent auction featuring about 1,000 bottles of wine — including rare wines, hard-to-find vintages, and exclusive wine trips — watched a bid board, and raised paddles in a live auction of luxurious packages and experiences.
Dr. Donald Olson of Torii Mor Winery received the 2021 Tête du Cuvée honoree for his outstanding impact in the winery community, and heart disease survivor Heather L. VacLav led an "Open Your Heart" campaign that raised more than $1.45 million in contributions on the spot.
Guests then danced the night away to the sounds of Emerald City Allstars Band at the AT&T After Party. It was all led by event chairs Mark and Jennifer Sanders (she, a heart transplant recipient).
Funds raised go directly toward AHA's cardiovascular research and heart health educational programs, both locally and nationwide.
Who: Participating chefs (lead) Richard Chamberlain (Chamberlain’s Steak & Fish), Kent Rathbun (imoto), John Tesar (Knife), Dean Fearing (Fearing’s Restaurant), Dan Landsberg (Ellie’s Restaurant at HALL Arts Hotel), Gerard Thompson (Rough Creek Lodge & Resort), Janice Provost (Parigi), Eric Dreyer (Monarch).
Attendees Cayce Dever, Ebony Jones, Angie and Byron Babin, Lindsay Klimek, Amy Grimes, Chris and Lisa LaTurno, Ron Olsson, Bob Pluth, Lorinda Teague, Ryan Swanson, Jennifer and Mark Sanders,Melissa and Steve Grimshaw,Kelly and Dave Pfeil,Trisha and Rick Allen,Patti and Joe Brayton,Gina and Jonathan Park,Carol and Matt Holmes, and many more.