The American Heart Association’s annual Boston Heart Ball, held Saturday at the Westin Copley Place, played on the organization's initials by creating “A-HA!” moments for the 400 guests to connect with the group’s mission and raise more than $1 million.
“The ‘A-HA’ moment is all about the moment when different individuals connect with the American Heart Association, whether it’s a personal experience, the science of discovery, or just embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle,” said Bryan Rafanelli, who designed the event. His company, Rafanelli Events, has partnered with the association for events since 2003.
“We've woven all of those individual moments into the elements of the night, from the speaking program to the menu—great food, but everything in moderation—to dancing the night away, which is good for your heart," Rafanelli said.
He said his own "A-HA!" moment was pairing the event’s design and program with live entertainment, a first for the Heart Ball. Grammy and Tony-award-nominated Broadway star Michael Cavanaugh got guests on their feet following the speaking and dinner portions of the event.
Another first this year was the use of social networking sites and YouTube to reach guests and donors, according to Kristine Shah, the organization’s senior regional director. The association featured the story of a young survivor of congenital heart disease as part of its donations appeal and sent her story via YouTube and Facebook as a teaser for the event. “People said they got our clip and looked at it on their iPhone or Blackberry,” Shah said. “We’re really embracing social networking as a way to reach out. It’s much easier to stay connected.”
Rafanelli’s design incorporated red table linens and rose centerpieces offset by trios of powder blue pillar candles and warm-hued votives. The menu played on the “everything in moderation” motto and featured grilled beef tenderloin and pan-seared cod followed by warm bittersweet chocolate cake with vanilla sauce and a chocolate-dipped strawberry.
