Greg Kelly, Jean Shafirof, Chuck Simonton, M.D, Dr. Apostolos K. Tassiopoulos and Barbara Poliwoda

The heart business is serious business and since many of the guests were esteemed doctors who spend their lives in life and death situations one might say they are a difficult to make laugh audience. Master of Ceremonies, Greg Kelly tried his rendition of America’s Got Talent by reciting the long long list of sponsors blindfolded. He got them all correct and many were impressed-I know I was. Greg tried a little Trump humor which since some are supporters and others are adversaries was less impactful. But the band and the singers loosened everyone up to dance and to donate. After all it is all about saving lives.

The festivities held at the Southampton Arts Center attended by over 400 people raised over $700,000 to benefit the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.

The event honored Audrey & Martin Gruss, of The Audrey and Martin Gruss Foundation and Dr. Apostolos K. Tassiopoulos, Department Chair of Vascular Surgery at Stony Brook and Director of the Heart and Stroke Center at Southampton Hospital. The Ball was Co-Chaired by Chuck Simonton, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Divisional Vice President, Global Medical Affairs, Abbott and Jean Shafiroff, Philanthropist and Author who worked tirelessly over the past six months selling tables and inspiring others to do this life saving work.
Also, in attendance was Bob Chaloner, NY Congresswoman Rebecca Seawright, Meredith Cohen, Dottie Herman, Lauren Witkoff, Dr. Jeff Moses, Robert Zimmerman, Dr. Larry Chinitz, John & Terry Tortorella, Paola and Arnie Rosenshein, Maria and Ken Fishel, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Anka Palitz, Larry Kaiser, Mayor Michael Irving and wife Ellen, Lauren and Bob Roberts, Lilliana Cavendish, Pamela O’Connor and John and Margo Catsimatidis.

To make a donation or to get involved in next year’s event, please contact Barbara Poliwoda at (631)734-2804, [email protected] or visit hamptonsheartball.heart.org

Photos by Rose Billings

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