On Saturday, Feb. 11, I was among 700 guests at the American Heart Association’s 55th Annual Heart Ball. It was brisk and chilly outside but hearts were warm at one of Philadelphia’s premier black tie events at the Marriott Downtown Philadelphia.

- View the Out and About Photo Gallery of this event - 

The two distinguished individuals honored were 2012 Heart of Philadelphia Daniel J. Hilferty, president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross, and 2012 Edward S. Cooper, M.D. and Howard H. Weitz, M.D., director, division of cardiology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. President of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, the Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake said, “Dan Hilferty is one of the most compassionate and caring individuals that I know. I am so proud of his commitment and service to this region and his desire to make a difference" every day. He is a great role model who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. The American Heart Association made a wise choice when they selected Dan to be one their honorees at the 2012 Heart Ball.”

The highlight of the evening for me was having the opportunity to speak with Edward S. Cooper, M.D., emeritus professor of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine and Past President of the American Heart Association who has served the organization for over 30 years. He cared for me and most of my family members before he retired and left us in the capable hands of Harold Mignott, M.D. at the Edward S. Cooper Internal Medicine Practice at Penn Medicine. It was a pleasure to be introduced to Aleta Rupert, American Heart Association executive director and vice president of development, by Dr. Cooper.

Cooper, the first African American to serve as president of the American Heart Association, is a brilliant and humble man who chose not to focus on himself but to commend me on my work and to laud Philadelphia Tribune president and CEO Robert W. Bogle. “Bob Bogle is my friend and was instrumental in communicating health care issues related to heart disease and stroke to the public. He made certain that this information could be understood by the lay person and disseminated it nationally. He has always invested much effort and his relationship with The American Heart Association goes back many years,” Dr. Cooper shared. “Being proactive and informed about the issues surrounding heart disease and stroke are major challenges,” he added.

Whenever I see Cooper he speaks of his close friendship with the late Maurice C. Clifford, M.D. who served as the first African-American health commissioner of the City of Philadelphia and the first African-American president of the Medical College of Pennsylvania. (Formerly Women’s Medical College) We will never forget this compassionate and accomplished physician.

Some of those “Out & About” having a great time and contributing to a great cause included A. Bruce Crawley, president and principal owner of Millennium 3 Management Inc. and Philadelphia Tribune columnist; Patricia M. Harris; and Judge Renee Caldwell Hughes, chief executive officer at American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter. Also attending were Ken Topping; Maria Pajil Battle, Amerihealth Mercy Foundation CEO; Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation; Sheila D. Vance of Sheila D. Vance Law Offices and Dr. Donald B. Parks, CEO of Parkstone Medical Associates and 2011–2012 American Heart Association Southeastern Board of Directors member.

Other guests were: Dee Reed and Emanuel Renard, Zoe Smith, Lorene Cary, Frances Conwell, Ray Welch, Billie and Gianna Jackson, Felicia Dark and Cedrick Edwards. Andrea Graham, Mrs. Philadelphia America, and Donna Mobley Thomas, Ms. Pa. Latina Ethnic World, were two of the greeters at the event.

It was a spectacular evening with all of the classic elements for an elegant affair. Everything from the cocktail reception, silent auction, to dinner and dancing until midnight was absolutely perfect. Shirleen Alcott, 6ABC news anchor, was a wonderful mistress of ceremonies for the evening.

Congratulations to 2012 Heart Ball Chairs Patrick J. O’Connor, Cozen O Connor, vice chair; Gerard H. Sweeney, Brandywine Realty Trust, vice chair; and Joan K. Richards, Crozer-Keystone Health System for making this another stellar year for the American Heart Association.

Happy Valentine’s Day, and take good care of your heart!