The American Heart Association's 23rd Annual - Hamptons.com

The sea of red gowns filling Southampton Arts Center’s tented grounds gave the American Heart Association’s 23rd Annual Hamptons Heart Ball a lush and special look. Humanitarians With Heart Honorees Toby and Larry Milstein added an equally rosy look to the charity’s future.

The chic, young Milstein brother and sister team are taking up the family mantle of philanthropy – and are now giving their hearts to this organization. “We both really believe in the American Heart Association mission: research and funding the work of incredible doctors who are changing and literally transforming the medical atmosphere with breakthrough technology and discoveries. Heart disease is the number 1 killer and an issue we should be talking and thinking about. We’re truly, literally so honored to be here tonight.”

Karen Acompora with Fire and Ice. (Photo: Lenny Stucker)

Meredith Cohen and Jason S. Chinitz, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.H.R.S. served as Event Co-Chairs, with “Good Day New York” Entertainment Reporter Baruch Shemtov as Master of Ceremonies. Distinguished Service Awards were given to John M. Creen, M.D., F.A.C.C and Mark Saporita, M.D., F.A.C.C.

Karen and John Acompora, of Northport, spoke of the day they lost their son Louis, in 2000, after a ball hit him in the chest during his first high school lacrosse game. An AED Defibrillator might have saved his life. But it was not part of the culture to keep one on hand. Thanks to the Acomporas’ efforts, Louis’ Law was enacted in 2002, that requires schools to have AEDs and people trained to use them, on site.

The Hamptons Heart Ball Committee. (Photo: Lenny Stucker)

Now, the Milsteins’ will have a part in educating the younger generation about heart disease. “We have two tables of young people who really care about the American Heart Association,” Toby told us. They led the way to the the after party at Southampton Social Club.

“And hopefully, there will be an even a greater group next year and for years to come,” she added.

The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death. They fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases.

To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit heart.org.
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