By Lindsay McCallum

On February 7, in a rose-filled ballroom with the music of 70s and 80s cover-band Dysfunction Junction setting the mood, the American Heart Society’s guests celebrated the philanthropic Razzle Dazzle Red 2009 Heart Ball at the Hilton Americas in Houston. The evening recognized the contributions of supporters such as Dr. Michael Reardon, Beverly and Jim Postl, and ConocoPhillips—represented by Chairman and CEO Jim Mulva. The guest speakers Dr. Aashish Shah and his wife Roseann Rogers shared the heartfelt story of their son, Nikhil, whose heart anomalies were saved by heart surgery, reminding everyone in attendance of the amazing cause they were supporting. A live auction raised money to further research and education for heart disease and stroke, featuring such purchases as a trip to New York to visit world-renowned artist Peter Max, a ride on a private jet, and a brand new Audi A5. Attendees opened their hearts and raised $1.1 million by the night’s end.