At the Heart of It

A heartening evening at the Middle Tennessee Heart Gala

Escaping the chilly night air, a slew of well-dressed guests gathered in the ballroom of Four Seasons Nashville in support of the American Heart Association (AHA). A cocktail reception kicked off the 49th Heart Gala, and patrons eagerly anticipated an engaging program, silent and live auction, and more.

United in a shared purpose, supporters from more than 150 communities across the country attend events like the Heart Gala. Annually, these events raise the critical funds the AHA needs to ensure its work continues while celebrating the organization’s milestones, sponsors and heroes.

This year, Middle Tennessee’s Heart Gala looked different from the original plan: Co-chair Tim Wallace passed away on March 3, only a week prior to the event. Judy Fabling Wallace, Tim’s wife and fellow co-chair, held firm and insisted that the gala go on as planned — now in his memory, as he had served on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards throughout his life. Judy honored her late husband on Saturday night by wearing Tim’s watch and celebrating their successes over the past year.

Tim is remembered as a family-oriented man, good friend and generous philanthropist, relentlessly focused on the heart of his community. In addition to his support of the AHA, Tim also supported events for Breast Cancer Awareness, Kidney Foundation and the Williamson Medical Center Foundation.

Despite the sudden loss, American Heart Association of Middle Tennessee had a record-breaking year for funds raised in the room through their live auction and Open Your Heart Moment. Through the Heart of Middle Tennessee Heart Gala campaign, the AHA celebrates its collective success in driving change, funding science and improving behaviors — no matter where, or how, they gather. The AHA takes their philanthropic efforts beyond the ballroom, working every day to help every heart.

BY KARIN MATHIS PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO