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.
![E20555sa](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/04/e20555sa.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![During the cocktail reception, passed hors d'oeuvres included sushi, crostini with roasted portobello mushrooms and truffled Roquefort cheese, and lobster cobbler.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e20555img_1616_lowres.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![The silent auction offered 20 items, including a V.I.P. package to a Bruins game and a day of pampering at the Neiman Marcus in Natick.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e20555img_1605.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![The dinner took place in the ballroom of the Westin Copley Place hotel, where guests sat at round and rectangular tables.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e20555img_1511_lowres.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Orange linens and springy flowers, including daffodils, ranunculus, and tulips played into the decor.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e20555img_1554_lowres.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Simone Winston co-chaired the event with her husband, Ted, who owns Winston Flowers.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e20555img_1573.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Pitch Slapped, an a capella group from the Berklee College of Music, performed songs such as 'We Built This City.'](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e20555img_1646_lowres.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Phrases such as 'I heart music' and 'I heart sunshine' appeared in linens and gobos.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e20555img_1562_lowres.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![DJ Gibbs of Soul Clap spun songs such as Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition' and Lady Gaga's 'Just Dance.'](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e20555img_1804_lowres.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)