The Middle Tennessee Heart Gala Celebrates 50 Years

A golden anniversary is cause for celebration — especially when it is paired with a centennial. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Middle Tennessee Heart Gala, which raises funds to support advancements in cardiovascular health. Additionally, 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the American Heart Association, whose mission is “ensuring equitable health in all communities.” To mark the occasion, guests gathered at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to enjoy the 2024 Heart Gala and support the organization behind it.

The HCA Lobby was a welcoming oasis on the chilly evening, with Champagne on silver trays awaiting guests as they entered. Peppered in between silent auction bid cards were sweet photo opportunities. After guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and a rousing live auction teaser, it was time for dinner. Once everyone was seated, co-chairs Ken Marlow and Greg Maczko took the stage and brought the AHA’s mission to life, reminding the audience that “too many lives in this room have been touched by heart issues.” As the program continued, the co-chairs presented Emily Shirden with the Leaders of Impact award, which recognizes the individual who raised the most money through the AHA’s local Leaders of Impact campaign. 

The room fell silent during the Open Your Heart moment, which recognizes someone who’s been personally impacted by the AHA’s efforts. Callie Morefield was born with truncus arteriosus, a rare congenital heart defect. She had her first open heart surgery at just 8 days old, spending roughly a month in the hospital. Today, the precocious 7-year-old loves playing with her big sister Chloe and listening to country music. Callie’s story offered a beautiful illustration of how the AHA impacts families by saving lives. 

The co-chairs then honored Wright Pinson with the Martin E. Simmons Award for raising the bar of excellence at Vanderbilt University, the Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the AHA. After he took the stage, Wright highlighted that the AHA has not only been impactful in preventing cardiovascular mortality but also in implementing policy that has helped improve the health of many Americans.

The evening concluded with a lively Nashville Heart Gala Late Party as guests danced the night away.