Palm Beach Society: At Renato's Heart Ball kickoff reception, the bling is the thing

Shannon Donnelly
·1 min read
Laurie Silvers with Ken and Sherry Endelson
Laurie Silvers with Ken and Sherry Endelson
Kathryn Veccellio and Monika Preston
Kathryn Veccellio and Monika Preston
Marti LaTour and Michele Jacobs
Marti LaTour and Michele Jacobs
Julie Rudolph and Margie Allinson
Julie Rudolph and Margie Allinson
Virginia Oatley with Edward and Sherie Wright
Virginia Oatley with Edward and Sherie Wright
Joseph McNamara, Arlette Gordon and Max McNamara
Joseph McNamara, Arlette Gordon and Max McNamara
Lee and Jeff Alderton
Lee and Jeff Alderton
Bob and Perri Bishop
Bob and Perri Bishop
Janet and Mark Levy
Janet and Mark Levy
Lois Pope and Bill Porter
Lois Pope and Bill Porter

For all of their sacrifice and effort, most gala chairwomen are rewarded with complaints and ingratitude.

But not the Heart Ball. The Heart Ball says thank you with bling.

Real bling, as in a heart-shaped diamond necklace presented to the outgoing chairwoman at the annual chairwoman's reception.

More Palm Beach society news here.

That reception, hosted by Arlene Desiderio at Renato's, took place Nov. 20 and marked the official start of Heart Ball season for incoming chairwoman Laurie Silvers. But for outgoing chairwomen Marti LaTour and Michele Jacobs, the event celebrated the end of their year of toil with the diamond necklaces.

And vodka. There was definitely vodka.

There also was hors d'oeuvres, music, and the collection of guest-donated athletic balls and sports equipment.

Part of the Heart Ball’s “A Ball for All” campaign, the goods will be donated to local Boys and Girls Clubs to encourage kids to be physically active and heart healthy.

More than 70 people attended the event.

The 68th annual Palm Beach Heart Ball — now the longest-running gala of the Palm Beach social season, takes place on Feb. 23 at The Breakers. The theme is “A Night in Hollywood."

Co-chairwomen are Monika Preston, Julie Rudolph and Kathryn C. Vecellio.

Vice chairwomen are LaTour, Rebecca Doane, Christine Stiller, Melissa Sullivan and Sarah Wetenhall.

Proceeds benefit The American Heart Association of Palm Beach County, which serves the residents of Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties.

Shannon Donnelly is the society editor and columnist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at sdonnelly@pbdailynews.com. Help support our local journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: New and past gala chairs honored at Renato's holiday weekend reception