DALLAS, May 15, 2024 – A year-long campaign focused on pediatric cardiovascular heart disease culminated in celebration as the American Heart Association welcomed wine collectors and mission supporters to the Dallas Omni Hotel. Côtes du Coeur celebrated the work of the Association and the mission investments given during this 33rd year of the campaign which totaled $4.1 million.

The Open Your Heart Chairs for this year, Scott and Kathleen Kirby shared the journey they experienced through their son Sean's battle with a cerebellar stroke at the age of 4. Sean's resilience is awe-inspiring—he faced a challenging situation due to an undetected heart condition, called coarctation of the aortic vessel, which caused the stroke. Through surgery and an incredible care network, he made a 100% recovery.

“Sharing our story isn't just about Sean; it's about raising awareness for families facing similar situations. Through our involvement with the American Heart Association, we aim to encourage pediatric research and preventative care, ensuring no family goes through what we did,” said Kathleen Kirby. “We can all work together to ensure the well-being of our community for generations to come. Support of the Association means improved health for countless individuals, funding for life-saving research, and advocacy for critical health policies.”

The chairs of the annual formal affair, Rick and Trisha Allen, have been involved in various roles over the past 18 years. “Trisha and I are honored to have served as Chairs of this year’s Côtes du Coeur,” said Rick Allen. “This year was a collaboration with an exceptional team of volunteers. We are proud to be a part of something that can impact infants born with congenital heart defects and hopefully improve their chances of survival into adulthood.”

Patrons' palates were delighted as Dallas’ finest culinary minds created memorable dinner courses. Led by Chef Richard Chamberlain with Chamberlain’s Steak and Chophouse, chefs that volunteered their time and culinary magic to the evening’s experience included Eric Dreyer with Monarch Restaurant, Dan Landsberg with The Texas Barn at Circle T Ranch, Janice Provost with Parigi, Kent Rathburn with Lover’s Seafood & Market, Luciano Salvadore with Parigi, John Tesar with Knife, and Gerard Thompson with Rough Creek Lodge. Chef Chamberlain lost his father at a very young age to heart disease and says supporting the mission of the Association is personal to him and the reason he has continued to volunteer for the last 27 years. 

Napa’s Palmaz Vineyards was one of over fifty featured wineries from wine country that played an active role, pouring great wines and networking with guests at both the gala and the Grand Tasting, which took place the evening prior.

Luxurious auction items were assigned to generous bidders including an exclusive experience with Andrea Bocelli, four lower-level tickets to witness the exhilarating 2025 showdown between the Dallas Mavericks and the LA Lakers, and a luxurious suite for twenty-one at the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day Game.

Côtes du Coeur is a testament to the community's support and the Association's relentless efforts in the fight against heart disease and stroke. It's not just the largest fine wine auction in the Southwestern United States —it's a celebration of lives saved, research funded, and awareness raised. More about how the American Heart Association’s Dallas team is working with organizations across Dallas, Denton, and Collin counties to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere can be found at dallaswineauction.com

For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country. These bold moves are fueled by our mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. They have helped transform our nation’s health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates. But these gains have not been shared equitably. Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Asian American, Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ people have suffered and died disproportionately. So have people in historically underrepresented communities all over the country. With Bold Hearts™ and powered by science, we pledge to work relentlessly to eliminate heart disease and stroke, optimize brain health and ensure equitable health in every community.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.orgFacebookTwitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

 

For Media Inquiries:

Lindsey Lyons: (214) 441-4114; lindsey.lyons@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org