Rob Giardinelli
Philanthropists, Culinary Icons, And Community Leaders Gathered At The Omni Dallas Hotel To Celebrate The Organization’s 35th Anniversary, Raising Millions For The American Heart Association In A Dazzling Evening Filled With Emotional Tributes, Michelin-Starred Cuisine, Spirited Auctions, And Unforgettable Moments
By Rob Giardinelli Photography courtesy of American Heart Association Dallas
THE SCENE: The Omni Dallas Hotel was the setting for a dazzling milestone gala for one of North Texas’ most iconic fundraising events. A sold-out crowd featuring over 800 of North Texas’s most notable community leaders, medical advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 2026 Côtes du Coeur. Benefiting the American Heart Association, the emotional night featured a mix of great food and tributes that tugged at the heartstrings, resulting in one of the event’s most successful years to date.
THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd featured partygoers dressed in an elegant array of their finest ensembles. In the crowd, traditional formal wear seamlessly blended with those who wore prints and bold colors, many of whom embraced red in honor of the American Heart Association. The result was a festive, happy environment where everyone felt welcome.
From the second guests walked through the keyhole-carved entryway into the Omni Ballroom for cocktail hour, guests knew they were in for a very special evening. After posing for images on the step-and-repeat to commemorate the festivities, many could be seen gathering in the bar to grab their favorite spirit. During the cocktail hour, guests mingled, previewed live auction items, and enjoyed fun ambient touches such as aerialists performing above the crowd that added to the joyous spirit of the evening.
The action then moved to the Omni Ballroom for dinner and the main program. WFAA co-anchors Dia Wall and Matt Howerton served as emcees, keeping the evening’s festivities flowing at a fun, brisk pace throughout the night.
As guests dined on a multi-course tasting extravaganza led by legendary Dallas Chef Richard Chamberlain, which was accompanied by a host of other award-winning Michelin-rated Chefs in North Texas, they were treated to words from event and organization leaders thanking them for their support not just that night, but over the past 35 years.
One particularly moving moment was a video that pulled at the heartstrings of every member of the audience. It told the story of Parker Helmerich, a young child who persevered through open-heart surgery, a stroke, and a heart transplant all before his second birthday, which did not leave a dry eye in the house.
After Palmaz Vineyards was honored with the Tête du Cuvée Award for their longtime support of Côtes du Coeur and the American Heart Association, the crowd enjoyed a spirited live auction. The paddles feverishly went up as guests bid on an array of one-of-a-kind wine packages and experiences, with a Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day Suite Experience and an Italian Villa Escape in Tuscany being among the most popular items of the night.
A successful Paddles-Up followed, driving the fundraising total even higher. The fun continued well into the night as the crowd enjoyed a lively after-party, dancing the night away and capping off another beautiful night for one of Texas’s most successful fundraising events.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 2026 Côtes du Coeur, chaired by Jennifer and Chris Clark, raised over $1.1 million during the gala and $3.4 million in their 2026 campaign. Over the past 35 years, Côtes du Coeur has raised over $60 million to support the American Heart Association’s cardiovascular research, education, advocacy, and community-driven health initiatives in the Dallas area and beyond.
Here Are 7 Reasons Côtes du Coeur’s 35th Anniversary Was A Night To Remember
- A Grand Entrance Set The Tone
Guests entered through a dramatic keyhole-carved entryway into a glamorous Omni Ballroom transformed for the milestone celebration. - Dallas Style Was On Full Display
The black-tie crowd dazzled in elegant gowns, tuxedos, bold prints, and signature pops of red honoring the American Heart Association. - Cocktail Hour Delivered Major Energy
From aerialists performing overhead to lively mingling and luxury auction previews, the atmosphere buzzed from the start. - The Culinary Experience Stole The Show
Legendary Chef Richard Chamberlain and a lineup of Michelin-rated North Texas chefs created an unforgettable multi-course dining experience. - An Emotional Tribute Moved The Crowd
A touching video honoring young heart survivor Parker Helmerich left guests visibly emotional and reminded everyone of the event’s life-changing mission. - Auction Paddles Flew High
Luxury packages such as a Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day Suite Experience and a Tuscany villa escape sparked spirited bidding throughout the ballroom. - The Celebration Ended On A High Note
The gala raised over $1.1 million during the evening, helping drive a $3.4 million campaign total before guests danced the night away at the after-party.
