40, Fabulous — and Touting a Never-Before-Seen Bidding War — the Heart Ball Was a Bash to Beat 'Em All

Daniel Ortiz and Wilson Parrish

Dance floor at the Heart Ball

ON THE EVENING of the American Heart Association's 40th-annual Houston Heart Ball, event chair Kelly Hackett gleefully welcomed more than 500 guests — many clad in rich shades of the night's signature color, red — to the ballroom of the Hilton Americas.

The gala also toasted the 100th anniversary of the national organization, and raised $1.25 million to further its life-saving work.

The night began with electric tunes courtesy of Demola, Houston's hippest violinist, who serenaded guests to their tables with a rendition of "I've Got a Feelin." Khambrel Marshall directed the evening from the stage, where featured speaker Wallis Marsh took to the mic to share his story of survival. Later, 16 honorees received a standing ovation for their tireless dedication to working toward health equity, whether that's via food security or heart health.

A live auction brought on a different kind of excitement and emotions. Led by Logan Thomas, the lively event touted vacations, jewelry and more. One especially fun moment was when gala chair Hackett engaged in a bidding war with Peter Fluor, all over a pair of ruby-and-diamond earrings, donated by Diamonds Direct. She eventually won — and walked over to Fluor to gift him the baubles!

Tunes courtesy of Midtown 10 Band, followed by a big balloon drop, closed out the evening.