Three remarkable individuals were honored April 12 by the Coachella Valley Heart Association and American Stroke Association during Hearts of Gold, the 26th annual Heart Ball.
The American Heart Association national awardees were Mary Caldwell, Healthcare Volunteer of the Year, and Dr. Charlie Shaeffer and Hank Wasiak, each of whom received the Gold Heart Award.
The dinner dance was held at the Miramonte Resort and Spa in Indian Wells, and guests were invited to wear red or gold to the black tie event chaired by Casey Seltzer. Cindy Stillman is executive director of American Heart Association Coachella Valley staff. Dr. Shaeffer is president of the board of directors and Keith Goff chairman. Chair Elect is Steve Weiss.
A highlight of the evening was a performance by concert pianist John Bayless. This internationally recognized recording artist suffered a stroke two years ago that left him unable to use his right hand. Despite this, he is composing and performing once more with his left hand.
The enthralled audience agreed that Bayless is still an exceptional artist who plays the piano better with one hand than many pianists who use two hands. Bayless’ recovery and performance was an inspiration to everyone present.
Dr. Bradford Lee and Andrew Olsen.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Kathleen McEntee and Dr. Matilde Parente.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Casey Seltzer, chair, and Rick Seltzer.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Chris and Carl Bonstead.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Jan and Bruce Miller.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Roger Perry, Joyce Bulifant, John Bayless, and Gloria Guttman.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Matilde Porente, Kathleen Von Dehn, Nina Pucillo, and Roger Bergman.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Andrew and Risa Olsen.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Mary Caldwell and Steve White.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
John Bayless with Jane and Nelson Greene.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Honorees Dr. Charlie Shaefer, Mary Caldwell and Hank Wasiak.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Casey Seltzer, chair, and Keith Goff.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Dr. Charlie Shaeffer and Claire Shaeffer.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Vicky and Hank Wasiak.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Robert and Carole Schaudt with Karen and Tony Barone.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Steve Sanchez and Crista Collins.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Dr. Donna Adams, Dr. Mark Holt, and Alexandra Holt.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Hank and Vicki Wasiak, Lydia Varga and Brian Wasiak.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Robert Hamilton and Marcia Carey.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Singer Tony Grandberry.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees
Photo by Pat Krause
Becky and Bill Smith.
American Heart Association Fetes National Honorees