HeartBeats Gala Proves Unforgettable Night

Since April of 2009 Karen Schrah has been helping save the lives of young local athletes since losing her 16-year-old appearingly healthy, athletic son on the football field of a Plano high school to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).  She now leads her non-profit, Living for Zachary (L4Z), to detect and prevent SCA and supply Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to help resuscitate those who collapse due to SCA.

Donnie Nelson, SCA Survivor Aaron Austin, Drew Pearson, Karen Schrah

 The charity recently held the Living for Zachary HeartBeats Gala -- Unforgettable on February 16th at the Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel. The event which surpassed funds raised in 2012 attracted more than 1,000 attendees. 

Chad Ellard, Kelly Hughes, Susan and Brian Ellard

Guests quickly found themselves welcomed by an uncanny Marilyn Monroe impersonator and paparazzi flash bulbs when they entered the Dallas Ballroom. Live jazz melodies filled the air reminiscent of the Rat Pack era. Guests mingled and bid on hundreds of silent auction items and purchased the chance to win one of 40 impressive raffle prizes.

Jack and Gwen Shaw, Pat and Jim Stevens

Inside the Dallas Ballroom, Fox 4 sports anchor Mike Doocy served as the evening’s emcee while guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner and bid for coveted live auction items. Donnie Nelson, GM and president of basketball operations for the Dallas Mavericks spoke and surprised all with an impromptu song on the keyboard. And NFL Hall of Fame and Dallas Cowboys legends, Randy White and Drew Pearson shared their strong belief in the L4Z mission. Guests danced to Downtown Fever following the program. 

Miss Plano Megan Clark, Jill Palmer, Miss Texas International Rachel Hedstrom

 Funds raised support L4Z’s mission of raising awareness of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in youth, donating automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to youth-based organizations, saving lives through community education and awareness events, awarding student scholarships, and promoting youth heart screenings.