Tommy Riles
July 11, 2012
Lives in: Los Angeles
Occupation: Comedian & Audience Warm-up, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Life of Dad Founder
Twitter: @tommyriles
Facebook: 575811228
On June 30th, I was honored to emcee the 7th Annual Saving Tiny Hearts Gala in Chicago.
The event was held at the Chicago Marriott Downtown, on the Magnificent Mile, and raised $100,000 for this important cause.
Saving Tiny Hearts is a great organization that raises money for the grossly under-funded, lifesaving grass roots research of congenital heart defects (CHDs).
The gala was themed after Star Wars, with permission from Lucas Films, as our guest of honor was Max Page, the inspiring kid that played Darth Vader in last year’s hit Volkswagen Superbowl commercial.
Unfortunately, Max and his family were not able to make it, due to a successful, but unexpected open-heart surgery, which Max recently underwent. However, there were a big group of Star Wars characters in attendance, in his honor.
One highlight of the evening was a performance by Paul Cardall, a #1 Charting Billboard Musician, as well as congenital heart defect survivor and a heart transplant recipient. Learn more about Paul and listen to his music on his website.
Also, a friend of mine from the CHD community, Christine Brite McCormick, gave a moving keynote speech about how she started legislation in Indiana where every newborn must now be screened for CHDs. Make sure to read more of Christine and her daughter Cora’s story on her website.
Dr. Loren Wold, the Chair of Saving Tiny Heart’s Medical Advisory Board spoke as well, sharing where exactly all of the funds raised for CHD research have been going. Wold also delivered an impressive hip-hop rap, when encouraging the attendees to make a final donation.
Even though the night dealt with very heavy topics, everybody seemed to have fun, and I was glad to be there.
Thanks to Brian and Francie Paul for starting such an incredible organization, and for bringing me on board to host the gala!
To donate, visit the Saving Tiny Hearts website now!
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