72nd Palm Beach Heart Ball names chairs for year-round campaign to improve health in Palm Beach County
Palm Beach, Fla., Oct. 5, 2026 — Celebrating its 72nd year, the Palm Beach Heart Ball is announcing Susan Wright, Kathryn C. Vecellio and Monika Preston as chairs of the longest continuously running black-tie gala on Palm Beach. They will be leading community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in Palm Beach County has the opportunity for a full, healthy life.
For decades, the mission of Palm Beach Heart Ball has symbolized and celebrated the hope and progress made through the dedication of all who support the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere.
The Heart Ball is in experienced hands this year. Susan Wright, who served as chair in 2026, joins a distinguished tradition of leadership alongside Kathryn C. Vecellio and Monika Preston, both of whom have chaired the event multiple times over the years.
“We are honored to have three chairs who routinely dedicate themselves to the American Heart Association’s mission,” said Stacey Comerford, executive director for the Heart Association_ Palm Beach. “They each have a clear passion for improving the well-being of our community, which makes them outstanding choices to lead this year’s campaign.”
The Palm Beach Heart Ball will be held on February 18, 2027, at The Breakers, with Cleveland Clinic as the presenting corporate sponsor. Other major sponsors include: Jana and Tim Davidson, Patrick and Milly Park, Park Foundation, Monika and John Preston, Kathryn and Leo Vecellio, Susan and Bob Wright, Ambassador Mike and Diana Retzer, HCA Florida Healthcare, Christine Lynn, United Bank, Margarita Allinson, Mrs. Robert T. Butler, City National Bank, Wendy and Howard Cox, Rebecca and Randell Doane, Jill Davis, Flagstar Bank, Ilona Ponomariova and Phil George, Sue Gibson, Michele and Howard Kessler, Karen and Raymond Masciarella, Dr. Karen Mashkin, Cathryn and Dr. Armin Oskouei, Lynne Wheat and Thomas Peterffy, Cameron and Jeff Preston, Julie and Howard Rudolph, Mary and Bob Simses, Melissa Sullivan, Kaki and Scott Swid, Marie and Andy Unanue, Tara and Christopher Vecellio, Mary Frances and William Walde, Michelle and Peter Worth, James Borynack and Adolfo Zaralegui.
The annual event is a night to celebrate the Heart Association’s year-round efforts to build a healthier Palm Beach County. Throughout the evening, the Heart Association will honor volunteers and patrons, share survivor stories and entertain guests with dinner, dancing and a live auction. For more information on how to support Palm Beach Heart Ball, contact Blair Telepman at blair.telepman@heart.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Gina Sbrilli | gina.sbrilli@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
