Special to The Desert Sun
Author: Alison Elsner
Date: May 15, 2011

"Black tie suggested, red dress requested" read the invitation to the 23rd annual American Heart Association's Fire and Ice Red Hot Heart Ball.

Most of the 320 guests complied, creating a sea of black and red waves in the Rancho Las Palmas Resort ballroom.

Arriving guests were greeted by a dramatic Dale Chihuly sculpture depicting the fire and ice theme, on loan from David and Leisa Austin's Imago Galleries. Attendees enjoyed a hosted cocktail hour sponsored by Integrated Wealth Management, music by the John Stanley King Band, unique silent auction displays and complimentary photos.

The decor was that of a stylish lounge with a nightclub vibe. There were no honorees or lengthy programs -- just a delicious surf-and-turf dinner, wines from Leonesse in Temecula, cocktails and after-party dancing to Dog 'N Butterfly, a Heart tribute band.

Event chairwoman Diana Marlo won immediate applause with her opening statement: "I want to acknowledge our fabulous, synergistic event committee and sponsors who have allowed us to not only meet our goal but exceed it!"

Major event sponsors were Eisenhower Medical Center, Desert Cardiology, Desert Regional Medical Center, Rabobank, Greg and Stacey Renker, Harold Matzner and The Fountains at the Carlotta, each of whom received perpetual thanks with a big-screen display of their logos at both corners of the ballroom.

Marlo also gave special thanks to committee member Stephanie Greene, who attended with husband Dennis. The valet parking was underwritten by Frank Harrison of General Air Conditioning.

Handkerchiefs were helpful for the "Open Your Heart" segment of the program recognizing 5-year-old heart disease survivor Codi Pelton, who was born with her organs on the opposite side but survived through the help of AHA's physicians and research. Her parents, Brandon and Lisa, delivered a touching account of AHA's part in her survival. It raised an extra $32,400.

Codi truly captured everyone's hearts by waving at audience members from the stage and later showing some fancy footwork on the dance floor.

Stuart Green, husband of committee member Dr. Audrey Reed, conducted an energetic live auction of seven deluxe items that brought in more than $15,000. A Swarovski crystal encrusted red heart purse, valued at $1,200, was donated to the silent auction by Over the Top, which was also selling similar purses and donating 20 percent of the proceeds to the event.

Other sponsors included Ms. Lu Barnes, Michael and Peggy Berk, Max Briggs, Nino Capabianco, Peggy Cravens, Andy and Mary Lynn Gladstein, Jack Grundhofer and Patti Meier, Jean Ann Hirschi, Dr. Raila and Dennis Horne, Dr. Ellie and Steven Love, Barbara Rogers, Dr. Raj Sinha and Monique Shaffeur.

Among the notable guests were Rancho Mirage neurosurgeon Farhad Limonadi, president of the Heart Association board, and his wife, Tina, as well as staff and board members Charlie Shaeffer, and his author wife, Claire; Jerry Patton and wife Mary; Louise White; Dr. Narashimha Rao, and Dr. Bishoy Labib.

Other attendees included Integrated Wealth Management's Jim Casey and Jason Altieri, Christy Majors, Rabobank president Keith Goff and wife Tera, Desert Regional Mecial Center CEO Karolee M. Sowle and husband Don, Richard and Lori Ramhoff, KMIR 6's Christina Pascucci and Steve Sanchez, and KPSP Local 2 General Manager Don Perry and wife Linda and Patrick Evans and Tanya Martin.

Total proceeds hit $177,000, up $78,000 from the previous year's event.

Glance: Red hot ball

Charity: American Heart Association

Next event: Heart Walk at 8 a.m. Oct. 22 at the Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert.

Information: (760) 534-2133 or www.heart.org.