40 years of providing hearts in need around the world with life-saving pacemakers is a feat worth celebrating in a big way. That is why we will be popping the champagne and “puttin’ on the Ritz” at our A Night ForHearts Gatsby Gala on Saturday, April 13, at The Vault in downtown Tampa.
This year’s Gala will be an immersive evening of celebration and philanthropy with speakeasy sounds, dancing (complete with Charleston lessons), drinks (no bootleggers needed), casino games and auction.
“We want this to be a fun, interactive event where people of all ages can enjoy the party,” says ForHearts Executive Director Laura DeLise of the Gala’s Gatsby theme.
Whether you want to dress as a 1920s gangster or go full-on flapper, the style is up to you. But if you do not have any fedoras, cloche hats, or knickerbockers hanging in your closet, do not worry. You can “attend without necessarily having to go out and purchase a themed outfit—a black dress and dark suit can easily accommodate this theme,” says DeLise.
You will step back in time to the Roaring ‘20s as soon as you step into the Gala’s venue, The Vault. Originally built as the Exchange National Bank in 1919, The Vault has been restored to full 1920’s glamor, with 35-foot ornamental ceilings, marble floors, and neo-classical design features. You will feel like you have just walked into Jay Gatsby’s soaring grand ballroom!
Your evening begins with a cocktail hour, featuring the Old Sport (Old Fashioned), Greenlight Gimlet, and Gatsby Bubbles (champagne wall) from our Flappers’ Fizz & Spirits drink menu. Then it is time to try your luck in our casino with blackjack, craps, and roulette for the chance to win some top-shelf prizes. And speaking of top shelf, if you enjoy our Old Sport’s take on the Old Fashioned, grab a glass for a special bourbon tasting!
After a dinner of heavy hors d’oeuvres, it is time for dancing. Our casino girls, dressed to the period, will show you the Charleston steps that will have you cutting a rug!
Happy 40th Anniversary to ForHearts Worldwide
More than a Gatsby-themed evening re-living the Roaring 20s decade from a century ago, the Gala will also be a celebration of 40 years of ForHearts. Thomas C. Crawford, MD, Chairman of ForHearts Worldwide, will do the honors of blowing out the 40 candles on our anniversary cake, and you will have the chance to commemorate this milestone with a “BIG 40” photo-opp!
The Gala program will look back on the history of our organization, while looking forward to the next 40 years of ForHearts Worldwide.
We will highlight the success of the ForHearts mission over the last four decades with special guests, including our HDM Fellows, patients who have experienced life-saving care, and the donors and supporters that have made it all possible. Our patients are the heart of our mission, and we’ll be featuring them throughout the evening with a photo slideshow of some of the 17,000+ patients saved over the last 40 years.
Then, you will have the opportunity to save even more lives by giving back in real-time during our “Gift from the Heart” presentation, as well as through our online silent auction taking place throughout the evening. The online auction will be open to all Gala sponsors and ticket holders—those attending the event and those supporting ForHearts from afar. So be sure to register for the online silent auction when you purchase your ticket or select your sponsorship level.
Your generous support will help to fund our 2024 goal of saving 100 more lives and help us launch an exciting new initiative supporting hearts in need. ForHearts will now be buying pacemakers directly, rather than only relying on donated devices. It’s a new challenge for our organization, one that this Gala night of philanthropy will help to support.
Are you ready to make a global impact for good? Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration and philanthropy at A Night ForHearts Gatsby Gala on Saturday, April 13, at The Vault. Gala tickets are $200 per person, with sponsorship packages starting at $500.
Click here to learn more about this Gala event and purchase your tickets!