On Saturday, June 5, 2021, Enduring Hearts hosted the 6th Annual Bourbon Gala and Auction- Special Belmont and Bourbon Event. The auspicious event was hosted at Rustix Manor in Woodstock, GA. Imagine waking up on a rustic decorated lawn area filled with like-minded professionals gathered together for an amazingly charitable cause.
Enduring Hearts is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to funding innovative research aimed to improving the lives of children living with transplanted hearts. The mission of this organization is to fund research that increases the longevity of pediatric heart transplants, improves the quality of life for children living with a new heart, and eliminates pediatric heart diseases that may lead to a transplant.
This amazing event allowed guests to enjoy a live watch party of the Belmont Stakes, over 11 top-shelf whiskeys, and gourmet southern cuisine. The chances for giving were afforded through 50+ silent auction items. Auction items included a VIP experience that included private jet service to the Buffalo Trace Distillery with a VIP tour and a private barrel selection of Blanton’s Original Single Barrell Bourbon Whiskey from Sazerac with accommodations at the new private Stagg Lodge overlooking the distillery.
The event sponsors included Tiffany & CO., BeSpoke capital advisors of Raymond James, US Strategic Capital, SES, CPMC, Capital Funding Group, WAHA Technology, Audi Atlanta, and Polsinelli.
Tiffany & CO. awarded a signature hat to Heather Christie, giving her the title of “Most Fashionable Lady”.
The night was concluded as a success as Enduring Hearts far exceeded the goal of raising $620,000 by ending the night fundraising $850,000.
“This event is so special to us as it brings long-time donors and new faces to support our mission of funding research to make a heart transplant last a lifetime,” stated Carolyn Salvador – CEO Enduring Hearts. “Everyone was in great spirits, having not been able to enjoy a face-to-face event for so long, so it was especially exciting to connect and enjoy such a special night.”
Notable guests in attendance included Jessica Black – Miss USA 2010, Vince Cellini- CNN Anchor & Host PGA Golf Channel, Aaron Murray – CBS Sports College Color Commentator, Madelyn Gahan – Founder of Enduring Hearts, Kirstie Keller – PhD, Vice President of Programs, Additional Ventures, Dr. Janet Scheel – Scientist Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, Member of Enduring Hearts, Scientific Advisory Committee and Dr. James Reynolds – Enduring Hearts Funded Researchers Case Western Reserve University.
It was a great pleasure to be in the midst of such an amazing cause and exuberant energy.
Whitney J.
