“Best Gala so far – the night was elegant and energetic. Great entertainment and the speakers’ messages were crisp and informative,” said Joel Aranson, father of a myocarditis victim and Myocarditis Foundation board member who has attended all three Foundation Galas.

Nearly 400 corporate executives, volunteers and supporters, family members and survivors affected by myocarditis gathered at the Mandarin Oriental ballroom overlooking Central Park in New York City for a night of support and awareness.

Chris Corso and Dr. Doug Luffborough lead the program, which was highlighted by a touching onstage introduction of “The Three Amigos” – Matthew Corso, Ben Baldwin, Jackson DeBusschere – teenage myocarditis survivors who have become close friends.

A video message from Dr. Leslie Cooper, co-founder and board member, focused on the research and researchers who are relentlessly working to find causes and cures for this insidious disease.

Dr. Bettina Heidieker, Head of Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathies at Charité in Berlin Germany, gave an overview of myocarditis and the Myocarditis Foundation BioBank, which will collect blood samples, clinical data and patient demographics to provide a invaluable first of its kind resource for researchers worldwide.

Vocalist Jennifer Piacenti performed for the room, sharing operatic and broadway standards to great acclaim.

There was a silent auction and wine pull during the cocktail hour and following dinner Sotheby’s auctioneer Hugh Hildesley performed a live auction and live ask for donations to support the Myocarditis Foundation Biobank. The most exciting bidding battle was for dinner and kitchen tour at Blue Hill at Stone Barns and a stay at the Bedford Post Inn which sold for over $11,000.

The Gala once again raised substantial funds to aid the Foundation’s mission to fund research, facilitate educational programs and awareness events and provide family support. Watch the full video recording of the 2018 Gala below.

We thank all of the attendees, donors, and sponsors for their ongoing support to help end this disease.

Photo Credit: Michael Priest Photography