74th Annual An Affair of the Heart Valentine’s Day Digital Celebration Connects Women Across Generations

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The 74th Annual An Affair of the Heart Valentine’s Day Digital Celebration presented by the Women’s Board of the American Heart Association (AHA) transported guests from the comfort of their home to the runways of Chevy Chase, Maryland for an afternoon of inspiring people across generations to unite in the fight against heart disease and stroke.

Mistress of Ceremonies Alison Starling is joined by her daughters Ava and Emma to share the important impact An Affair of the Heart has on the lives of women across generations.

Guests rocked their red on Zoom as they tuned into the annual celebration, with many Women’s Board members hosting small “watch parties” in their homes. The event and its first-ever online auction raised $400,000 to fund lifesaving cardiovascular research.

“For nearly 75 years, An Affair of the Heart has connected our community in the shared commitment to research and innovation to save and improve lives, and I am deeply grateful to the Women’s Board for their tremendous dedication,” Soula Antoniou, Executive Director of the AHA said. “Thank you to Women’s Board Chair Gita Marín Joyce and event co-chairs Deb Wells and Ellen Kay for bringing this elegant event to life.”

The Marriott family shares a special moment with guests as they reflect on the rich history of the AHA’s Women’s Board and An Affair of the Heart celebration.

Kicking off the program at noon, Mistress of Ceremonies, ABC 7/WJLA Emmy Award-winning news anchor Alison Starling welcomed attendees alongside two special guests – her daughters Ava and Emma! Other highlights and special guest speakers included AHA CEO Nancy Brown; Women’s Board Chair Gita Marín Joyce; an interview with Women’s Board-funded researcher, Dr. Laura Beth Payne of Virginia Tech University and a special moment with Donna, Debbie and Angie Marriott.

The event culminated with the Bloomingdale’s Spring Fashion Show, curated exclusively for the Women’s Board and its guests.

The runway turns RED for American Heart Month during the Bloomingdale’s Spring Fashion Show.

Funds raised help to fulfill the mission of the AHA by supporting lifesaving research to prevent heart disease and stroke. This event is possible with the support of the 2022 An Affair of the Heart sponsors including The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Charitable Fund, J.W. Marriott Jr. Foundation, J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, Ernst & Young LLP, Marriott International, Bloomingdale’s, Anne Camalier, The Donohoe Companies, Debbie Marriott Harrison, Hoffman & Associates, Elise McHugh-Joyce, Mr. & Mrs. James Joyce, Marlene A. Malek, Angie Marriott, Nestle Coffee Partners – Solutions Lab, Suburban Hospital, Whitescarver Family Foundation and more!

Watch the full program on our YouTube channel. For more information, visit affairoftheheartdc.com.