2026 Heart Ball season kicks off with special tradition at Renato’s
PALM BEACH, Fla., Dec. 15, 2025 - The 2026 Palm Beach Heart Ball campaign launched with style and elegance at a recent social reception hosted by Renato’s Palm Beach. Renato’s owner Arlene Desiderio and her team generously provided cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a picturesque courtyard setting to celebrate the upcoming 71st annual Palm Beach Heart Ball.
This kickoff has been hosted at Renato’s just before Thanksgiving for more than 35 years. More than 75 guests joined the celebration to show their support for the Heart Ball, which is the longest-running black-tie gala on Palm Beach and one of the oldest American Heart Association galas in the country. The gala raises lifesaving funds for the mission of the Heart Association, which is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the traditional chairman’s necklace to each outgoing Heart Ball Chairman. Marie Unanue and Tara Vecellio both received their necklaces and will act as Honorary Chairmen for the 2026 gala.
New to this year’s festivities was recognition of Palm Beach’s Leaders of Impact nominees. The inaugural Palm Beach Leaders of Impact campaign took place over seven weeks this fall, during which nominees Max McNamara and Farrah Scott fundraised for the American Heart Association. At the reception, Max McNamara was recognized as Palm Beach’s first Leaders of Impact award winner.
The 71st annual Palm Beach Heart Ball will be held on Feb. 19 at The Breakers, and the theme is “Let Your Heart Soar.” The Co-Chairmen are Susan and Bob Wright, Ainsley Earhardt and Sean Hannity. The Grand Honorary Chairmen and Presenting Benefactors are Patrick and Milly Park, Park Foundation, and the Presenting Corporate Sponsor is Cleveland Clinic.
Corporate Heart Sponsors are Citizens Private Bank and United Bank, and the Platinum Corporate Sponsors are Amazon Web Services, City National Bank of Florida, Findlay Galleries, HCA Florida Healthcare supported by the HCA Healthcare Foundation, and Yafa Signed Jewels. The exclusive magazine sponsor is Palm Beach Illustrated.
Patrons of Heart are: Tim and Jana Davidson, Ainsley Earhardt and Sean Hannity, Christine E. Lynn, and Susan and Bob Wright; Diamond Patrons are: Joseph and Max McNamara; and Platinum Patrons are: Wendy and Howard Cox, Rebecca and Randy Doane, Ilona Ponomariova and Phil George, Sue Gibson, Michele and Howard Kessler, Karen and Ray Masciarella, Mashkin Family Foundation - Dr. Karen Mashkin, Monika and John Preston, Julie and Howard Rudolph, Melissa Sullivan, and Kathryn and Leo Vecellio.
Together, donors and volunteers for the American Heart Association drive breakthroughs in science, policy and care to continue to advance health and transform lives every day. To get involved, contact PBC@Heart.org or visit heart.org/PalmBeachHB.
The American Heart Association Palm Beach County serves the residents of Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties. Sponsors and volunteers assist the organization in guiding efforts to reduce incidences of heart disease and stroke, the Nos. 1 and 5 leading killers, respectively, of American men and women.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram and X.
For Media Inquiries:
Nina Barbero, APR
nina.barbero@heart.org
