The 30th anniversary of an event is a good time to break a record, and the 2025 Tarrant County Heart Ball did just that. The black-tie gala benefiting American Heart Association set a new fundraising record, totaling almost $1 million. (And contributions were still coming in as of publication time.)
The 30th annual Tarrant County Heart Ball took place April 5 at the River Crest Country Club. Kim Carter served as 2025 Heart Ball chair, with Fort Worth mayor Mattie Parker as its honorary chair - all under the leadership of Meagan Hemenway, executive director of the American Heart Association in Tarrant County.
Hundreds of guests arrived at the storied Fort Worth country club donning elegant black and cream gown and tuxes, accented with touches of AHA's signature red.
Event designers leaned into the event's theme, Shaping the Future of Children’s Heart Health, by incorporating clean, crisp geometric accents in the decor - including a popular step-and-repeat photo backdrop.
After a cocktail reception, guests sat down to dinner and a presentation emceed by Shannon Murray from Fox 4 DFW. In their remarks from stage, both Carter and Parker underscored the mission of the evening: to bring awareness to children's heart health, congenital heart defects, and overall pediatric health.
"By working together, we can make a real difference in the health and well-being of families, and especially our next generation, our children," Carter said.
The stars of the evening were the highlighted survivors, including Rielle Zacharias, who underwent open heart surgery at just 3 years old to repair a hole in her heart at Cook Children's. Her parents, Jamie and Andy, were also applauded for sharing their journey with the life-saving medical advancements that enable Rielle to thrive. Rielle’s enthusiasm for life inspired the room and encouraged them to support the organization.
The celebration continued with a spectacular performance by dueling pianos, which stole the show and kept the crowd energized.
Spotted in the crowd, having a great time supporting AHA, were such notables as Debbie and Randy Parrott, Melinda and Jerry Johnston, Brandy and Marc dePlant, Zia Ali, Marcia Jacobs, Michael and Stephanie Klein, Ryan Senter, Merianne Roth, Chris Miller, Dina Paul, Alicia and Craig Lesok, Roe and Tonya Patterson, Kyle and Jen Riggs, Russell and Lisa Riggs, Jack Mitchell and Taylor Jamali, Adam and Elizabeth Hurley, Michelle Avaritt, Lauren East, Mark Valentine, Lisa Ramos, Stephanie Klein, Julie Ferraro, Jay and Shannon Kizer, Kenzi Carter, Chris Edwards, Brittany and Jimmy Kinly, Kim and Josh Carter, mayor Mattie Parker, Daniel and Annie Pullin, Julie Taylor, and many more.
