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Sweetheart Gala

Annual event benefiting heart disease research is Saturday

-Messenger file photo by Hans Madsen
Sweetheart Gala committee member Amy Palmer, right, helps sell glasses of champagne that gave the buyer a chance to win a 1-carat diamond at the 2017 Sweetheart Gala at the Best Western Starlite Village Inn & Suites.

The 21st annual Webster County Sweetheart Gala, which raises money for heart disease research, is Saturday at the Best Western Starlite Village Inn & Suites.

“I feel very passionate about raising money for research and development on heart disease,” Abigail Johnson, the event organizer, said. “It’s something that affects so many Americans and a lot of Iowans as well. It’s a fun evening to get dressed up and have great food and great music to support a great cause.”

Tickets are $50.

The event begins at 6 p.m. with a social hour.

Dinner will be served at 6:45 p.m. with a short program to follow. An all-night dessert buffet will be offered.

“There’s going to be a lot of fun and tasty treats,” Johnson said.

Casey Johnson, owner of Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota, will serve as master of ceremonies.

Doctors from UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center will talk about the importance of heart health.

A live auction will be held with Webster County Supervisor Keith Dencklau serving as the auctioneer.

Live auction items include tickets to “Hamilton,” an award-winning musical; concert tickets to Faith Hill and Tim McGraw; and a Minnesota Vikings weekend getaway, which is two tickets to a Vikings game and a $200 gift certificate.

A silent auction with more than 60 different items will also be held.

The rest of the night will consist of music and dancing featuring DJ Dean Vinchattle.

Attire for the event is business casual.

All of the proceeds go to the American Heart Association.

“That’s something we always try to highlight,” Johnson said. “This will all stay local to go to research and development at a local level.”

The event will conclude by about 11 p.m.

“This event could not happen without the sponsorships of local businesses and individuals,” Johnson said. “They are what makes this happen.”

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