Event Location: Culinary Productions
Story & Photography by: Leon Martin
Event Date: June 6, 2026
The American Heart Association’s 2026 Northwest Florida Heart Ball brought together community leaders, healthcare professionals, business partners, and supporters on June 6 at Culinary Productions in downtown Pensacola for an evening dedicated to advancing heart health and saving lives.
Co-chaired by Jennifer and Josh Belcher, the event celebrated the progress being made in the fight against cardiovascular disease and stroke while raising awareness and critical funding for research, education, and health equity initiatives throughout the region. Guests enjoyed an elegant evening of fellowship, inspiration, and philanthropy, united by a shared commitment to improving the health of Northwest Florida communities.
This year’s event raised $115,000 through sponsorships, individual giving, and auction proceeds to support the mission of the American Heart Association. The evening also recognized several outstanding honorees, including Sandra Donaldson of D-Edge Consulting, Megan and Ian Waldron, Dr. Sumit Verma of Baptist Health Care, Shelby Wilson, MSN, RN, of Ascension Sacred Heart, Dale Jordan, Dr. Chuck Raudat of HCA Florida West Hospital, and Bentley Boyd.
A silent auction and generous community support helped make the evening a meaningful success while highlighting the importance of prevention, education, and access to quality cardiovascular care.
