The Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation raised $4,681.92 for cardiovascular care at Sacred Heart Hospital of the Emerald Coast during its second annual Wine Down Wednesday event held on May 14 at Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood.

The fundraising total represents a 58 percent increase from the foundation’s first Wine Down Wednesday event held in September 2023, demonstrating growing community support for local heart care services.

• Presented by Lynn McKenzie and Leonard Olson, the event featured heavy hors d’oeuvres and fine wines while guests mingled with Ascension Sacred Heart’s new CEO Trey Abshier and cardiac doctors from the hospital. Attendees participated in a wine pull and enjoyed live music sponsored by Ali and Rob Weil.

“With heart disease affecting one in five adults, promoting heart health in our community is more vital than ever,” said Janet Piepul, Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation major gifts and planned giving director. “We are thrilled to introduce our new cardiac physicians and physician assistants at our Wine Down Wednesday event that brought crucial awareness of the importance of heart health.”

All proceeds from ticket sales, donations and the wine pull directly benefited cardiovascular care at Sacred Heart Hospital of the Emerald Coast. The hospital’s Ascension Medical Group Cardiology provides speciality heart care and surgical services, with cardiologists and interventional cardiologists treating patients Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 7720 US 98 in Miramar Beach.

The foundation is already planning its next Wine Down Wednesday event for August at Ambrosia.

More information about the Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation is available here.