Heart transplant recipient and wife to chair 2018 Pop HeART themed Côtes du Coeur

Image credit: American Heart Association

Tim Gallagher, a heart transplant recipient and founder of Electronic Transaction Consultants Corporation, along with his wife, Terri, will chair the Côtes du Coeur campaign which culminates on April 21, 2018 with the Côtes du Coeur International Fine Wine Auction and Celebrity Chef Dinner at the Omni Dallas Hotel.

The annual black-tie event is the preeminent food and wine auction gala in the Southwest region of the United States and the most successful fundraising gala for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA), the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke.

The Gallaghers have a personal stake in the fight. Tim suffered what’s known as a “widow maker” heart attack in November, 2014 and 40-days later was Baylor Dallas’ 100th transplant recipient. Since his heart transplant, Tim retired from the company he founded and has dedicated his life to helping the American Heart Association reach its 2020 Impact Goal. By the year 2020, the Association aims to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent.

“Statistically, it is a miracle I survived and am alive today. I received a second chance and I’m going to do something special with it,” said Tim Gallagher. “I didn’t know it at the time, but when I was in the hospital, the American Heart Association was with me every step of the way. Now, every day is a gift which is why supporting the Association is important to me.”

Côtes du Coeur was founded 27 years ago as a unique way to support the American Heart Association’s mission. In that time, Côtes du Coeur has raised more than $34 million for cardiovascular research and heart-health initiatives. Five celebrations, presented by the Dallas Division of the American Heart Association, comprise the Côtes du Coeur season. All of the gatherings feature fine food and wine.

“The Côtes du Coeur isn’t your typical gala. It’s really an experience. We’re honored to have Chef Richard Chamberlain return as head chef along with 17 celebrity chefs to craft a memorable culinary adventure with 32 elite wineries,” said Terri Gallagher. “The dedication and support of the 1,200 guests, along with the quality of the food and wine is what makes the Côtes du Coeur a standout event in Dallas.”