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Monday, February 17, 2003

By Marylynn Uricchio, Post-Gazette SEEN Editor

They said yes in a heartbeat when they heard that Dr. George Magovern was going to be honored with the American Heart Association's first Pulse of Pittsburgh Award.

	Blaise Panizzi and Lisa Vollberg of the Abballati Dancers perform the I Campagnoli. (John Heller, Post-Gazette)

More than 800 guests filled the sold-out Westin Convention Center ballroom Saturday night for Heart Ball 2003, and another hundred or so were on the waiting list. Some were there because of Magovern in the most literal sense -- his invention of the sutureless heart valve and other procedures that had saved their lives.

"Romance in Venice" was the theme, but the renowned heart surgeon was the star. A high note of the gala was a moving film that chronicled Magovern's career, with testimonials from Dan Rooney, Jack Donahue, Tom O'Brien, Jerry McGinnis and others. They cited his achievements, which include performing the second lung transplant in the world and the first valve replacement in Pennsylvania from his base at Allegheny General Hospital. Magovern continues to practice at age 79 with his doctor sons George Jr. and Jim by his side. "They say I always wanted to be your third son," said Dr. Bartley Griffith, another eminent heart surgeon who flew in from Baltimore to present his mentor with the award. "I suspect this is true."

The Italian flavor of the evening began with the murals of Venice (hand-painted by volunteers Cindy Rowan and Barbara Walls) that transformed the ballroom into a romantic spot for dining and dancing. Topiary globes of red carnations and golden linens created a Renaissance luxe feel, while Italian standards were played by the band We Three. The Abballati Dancers kicked up their heels as they performed Italian folk dances between the courses of an elegant Venetian dinner. Duck consomme with orzo, veal medallions stuffed with proscuitto and Buffalo mozzarella, seared grouper and goat cheese polenta and for dessert, fruito di Bosco and heavenly tiramisu. Bravo to chef Bill Soriano's splendido efforts.

An extensive silent auction made way for a live one led by County Chief Executive Jim Roddey (with Elin), with the top bid of $58,000 going for a Mercedes convertible donated by Bobby Rahal. The evening's only misstep was the tacky plea for more money that followed. That said, more than $500,000 was raised to fight heart disease and stroke, which is one of the missions of the American Heart Association.

Dedicating so much time and effort to make the evening a success were its chairs, Dr. Vince and Janet Mosesso, along with the heart association's Marjorie Thomas and one of the best staffs in town. From the exquisite invitations designed by Janet Medvedo to the Venetian wines courtesy of Caffe Amante, the Heart Ball brings out the heart in everyone. Special credit goes to presenting sponsors West Penn Allegheny Health System and Highmark, with Highmark's Jim Klingensmith serving as corporate chair. Roseanne Wholey (with Dr. Mark) was the event chair, and Susan and Sean Coyle chaired the auction. KDKA's Bob Pompeani served as emcee as a small measure of his appreciation for the two valve replacements he has received. He introduced WPXI anchor Keith Jones and his 6-year-old daughter, Madeline, who donned her prettiest party dress to say thank you for the heart procedures that have enabled her to defy the odds of not living past the age of 2.

Saying ciao baby! were Ann Magovern and daughters Frances O'Connor (with Desmond) and Mary Scott (with Robert), AHA board chair Connie Conboy with husband Dr. Bob Yakulis, U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart, Chris Sepesy, sponsorship chair Mike Brady with Peggy, Patte and Attila Molnar, Drs. Rick Shannon and Barbara Cook, Byron and Ruth Falchetti, Bill and Tricia Kassling, David and Barbara Burstin, Deborah and Eric Hessinger, Marygrace Reder, Bonnie and Dick Anton, Glen and Diane Meakem, Dr. Fred and Katy Sherman, Mary Beth and Tom Buchanan, Tim and Arlene Snyder, Lois Wholey and Dr. Robert Quinlin, Dr. Howard and Christine Cohen, AHA VP Sandra Hijikata, Dr. Jim and Renee MacDougall, Patrick and Rachel Kerrish, Rich and Debby Talarico, Patrick and Patti Santelli, Cindy and Jim Rowan, Michele and Craig Steigerwald, Hank and Charlotte Beukema and Drs. Srinivas and Marie Murali.

Also there were Gary and Shelly Bastin, Sandy and Sam McAnallen, Tom and Diane Chakurda, Joan and Phil Gulley, Dr. Michael Mathier and Dr. Rachel Givelber, Dr. Lee Beerman, Dr. Donal and Mary Warde, Meg Helsel, Dr. Gerry Boyle, Nancy and Don Heron, Brenda Flores, Katherine and John Farnan, JR Philp and Jackie Stanley, Pete and Dorothea Zikos, Donald and Carrie Templin, Dr. Brad Keller, Dr. Leonard and Sue Ellen Ganz, Scott and Cheryl Becker, Cynthia Kutcher, Peggy and Gus Georgiadis, Tom and Karen Tabor, Cindy and Eugene Cresta, Drs. Arnold and Donna Levitt, Martin and Julia Straut, Dr. Chris and Sandy Bonnett, Brad Lutz and Kate Hodgson, Joann Blehi and the heart association's wonderful Jennifer Fraps, June Nagy Ferguson (with Bill) and Judy Grady with Ron.