American Heart Association’s Largest Fundraising Gala Raises $4.7 Million and Counting

Wine makers, wine connoisseurs, celebrity chefs and foodies came together for the sold-out 2018 Dallas Côtes du Coeur, Saturday, April 21 at the Omni Dallas Hotel. This culminating black-tie gala event is the largest of its kind, making it the number one fundraising gala in the nation for the American Heart Association.

This year’s event broke countless records raising $4.7 million and counting, including silent and live auctions bringing in $860,000 combined, sponsorships topping out at $2.8 million and the Open Your Heart Campaign raising $1.1 million. Funds raised from Côtes du Coeur go directly toward cardiovascular research and heart health educational programs both locally and nationwide.

More than 1,200 guests feasted on world-class food and wine pairings from 15 of Dallas’ most renowned chefs and more than 40 wineries. The unforgettable food was spearheaded by lead chef Richard Chamberlain who was accompanied by world-renowned chefs including Kent Rathbun, David Holben, Dean Fearing, John Tesar, Kevin Garvin and Jim Severson. More than 90 different fine wines were poured by acclaimed wineries including JUSTIN Winery, Merry Edwards Winery, Freeman Vineyard & Winery and Saint Helena Winery.

This year’s Open Your Heart Campaign celebrated the lives saved by second chances. Heart transplant recipient and event chair Tim Gallagher, wife and co-chair Terri and son Greyson shared their personal heart story and gave attendees the chance to put a face to heart disease. The Open Your Heart Campaign kicked off with a generous $100,000 donation and funds raised climbed to over $1 million.

“We know Côtes du Coeur is a night to enjoy fine wine and food, but at its core this night is about raising funds to further heart research and development, and celebrating the heroic heart heroes among us,” said Melissa Cameron, executive director of the Dallas Division. “Each and every year we continue to be touched by the generosity of the Dallas community and their willingness to join alongside us in the fight against heart disease and stroke.”

Throughout the night guests took part in a silent auction featuring more than 1,200 bottles of wine, including rare wines, hard-to-find vintages and exclusive wine trips, and a live auction featuring the evening’s most luxurious packages and experiences. Guests danced the night away at the AT&T Young at Heart Party with entertainment provided by Professor D.

Over the course of its 27-year history, this premiere fundraising event has attracted more than 24,000 attendees and has raised more than $38 million. For more information visit dallaswineauction.com.