According To Côtes du Coeur Chair Kate Rose Marquez,
Kate Rose Marquez (File photo)
“Côtes du Coeur is a series of events leading up to a magical night of wine and food- a black-tie fine wine auction and celebrity chef dinner held on Saturday, April 25 at the Hilton Anatole benefiting the American Heart Association (AHA). The spring gala is the largest of its kind and is the number one gala in the nation for the American Heart Association. Proceeds from Côtes du Coeur go directly to the AHA for cardiovascular research and heart health educational programs. Côtes du Coeur 2014 raised $3.2 million, net proceeds. That’s with an event cost of just 10%! During its 22-year history, Côtes du Coeur has raised more than $21 million.
“Côtes du Coeur is a sell out every year – it hosts approximately 1,200 business and community leaders, wine industry leaders, and wine collectors from throughout the Southwest. At the gala, renowned Dallas chef Richard Chamberlain leads 16 acclaimed chefs in the creation of a tasting menu and wine pairing from 30 elite wineries from America and abroad. Attendees experience multi-course fine dining created around a specific wine varietal for each dish. The quality of the food and wine is a key differentiator for “Côtes du Coeur. The gala features a live auction of one-of-a-kind experience-packages and a silent auction of more than 2,000 wines-the largest fine wine auction in the Southwest.
“Rick Allen, Paragon Healthcare’s CEO, and Chris Jones, Paragon’s CSO, are underwriting co-chairs. Kristen Sanger is my right hand gal as gala/arrangements chair, working on a fantastic theme to be revealed. soon. Kim Bannister has signed on for auction chair, so you know that will be fabulous.
“This year’s team has already secured two-$125,000 sponsors.”