On Saturday night, patterned lights cast heart-filled phrases—such as "I heart sunshine" and "I heart red wine"— onto the walls of the ballroom at the Westin Copley Place. The American Heart Association's aptly named Heart Ball, which drew about 400 guests, was a "fun, playful celebration of health," said corporate event director Heidi A. Leone. As for the lighting: "We wanted to highlight some fun items that people 'heart,' as well as call out those items that are especially heart-healthy," she said.
The upbeat phrases appeared in linens as well as in the gobos, and the Rafanelli Events design scheme underscored the cheery vibe. Winston Flowers provided springy arrangements of ranunculus, tulips, and daffodils, and bright orange linens swathed the tables. The entertainment added to the energy, with a capella group Pitch Slapped performing tunes such as Rihanna's "Umbrella" and DJ Gibbs of Soul Clap spinning a set that included "Motownphilly" by Boys II Men" and Stevie Wonder's "Superstition."
The event raised close to $1 million, through ticket sales (tables started at $5,000) and auctions. With 20 items, the silent auction pulled in $13,000; the four-item live auction raised $76,000.