Heart Rhythm Institute features fall luncheon


Kara Ross via video. (Photos by Helen Ford Wallace).

The Heart Rhythm Institute luncheon at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club featured jewelry by Kara Ross and a heart healthy menu.
Kara Ross was not able to attend the party but sent a video and Genevieve Overholser of the jewelry line gave remarks. The menu consisted of a pear salad with a heart-shaped toast, roast chicken breast topped with spinach, tomato and multi-grain rolls.

Gene Barth and Annie Bohanon were the event co-chairmen and gave introductions. Max Chotto gave the patient testimonial. Honorary chairmen was Pam Fleischaker. Event underwriters were Helen and Wil Webster.
There were seven great vignette packages opportunities for guests to bid on including “Grandma’s Goodies” with train ride tickets, Christmas Show tickets, birthday parpty, gifts cards and “Stepping Out” with a black leather jacket, dinner for two, shoe gift certificate.

The Heart Rhythm Institute at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center always gives tells everyone to “hold the date” for next next year’s party: It will be November 14, 2012.

Jewelry shopping.

Cathy Freede, Jose Freede, Joan Gilmore enjoy lunch.

Lillie-Beth Brinkman, Marcy Kenney, and Betty Jane Garrett were at the luncheon.


Thank you for a great time….. Heart Rhythm Institute luncheon

Jose Freede

Jose Freede, Debby Dudman, Jane Thompson. (Photos by Helen Ford Wallace).

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Debbie Hampton, Kay Goebel, Barbara Butner, Lana Lopez.

Dear Jane Thompson and Lana Lopez,

Since you all were chairmen of the Heart Rhythm Institute luncheon held Nov. 11th at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, you need to know what a great time we had yesterday.

Your luncheon  was so much fun! Not only did I win one of your “Vignette Opportunities” (A.K.A…. a very spectacular raffle drawing), most of your guests ate every bite of their lunches which included a couscous salad, really good stuffed chicken breast and bourbon poached apple and spiced cake with a cream sauce.  Yum!

The speakers HRI Director Suzanne Owens, Patient testimonial Andrew Schopler, Jewelry designers Chad Hamilton, Andrew Tessier were interesting and to the point. The luncheon ran on time; guests ate during the talks and servers were very quiet bringing plates, and everyone went home at 1 p.m. (Actually, they stayed around to talk some more after it was over and to buy more Andrew Hamilton Crawford jewelry.)

And the jewelry… bracelets, earrings, necklaces were outstanding. Made from sterling silver or 18 karat gold vermeil, each item looked wonderful on its’ buyer. Dede and Bob Benham from Balliets were instrumental in bringing this line of jewelry to us.  Very unique.

Your group has always had unique accessories at their parties.  One year you featured  Judith Leiber; one year it was “Breakfast At Tiffany’s”; one year it was Anthony Nak, and another one had Temple St. Clair.  All very fun for party-goers.

And also connected to this event is the patron party. For some reason (perfect planning I think) it is always fun to go to.  This year Cassie and Charles Bowen were hosts for cocktails and the private viewing and sale of jewelry.

HRI (Heart Rhythm Institute)  was formerly called  the  Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Institute, and is located at the University of Oklahoma Heath Sciences Center.

Event coordinator is Judy Austin. Honorary chairman was B. Ann Cole and patron chairmen were Linda Haneborg and Cheryl Hewell.  Scientific advisor is Dr. Warren Jackman and director is Dr. Ralph Lazzara. On the HRI advisory board are Pam Fleischaker, Laurie Hyde, Stacy McDaniel, Frank Merrick, Julie Mundt, George Records, Tom Schoedter and Will Webster.

And you have already set next year’s date. It is November 10, 2010. We would not miss it (and I have felt that way every year.)  We will be there in 2010.

Thanks for planning one of the best luncheons in Oklahoma City.

Helen Ford Wallace

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Committe member Karen Mayfield with Bob and Dede Benham of Balliet’s.

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The jewelry.

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Gene Barth, Corey Hyde Blake.

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Little heart chocolate candy served with dessert.





Luncheon and shopping event planned to benefit Heart Rhythm Institute at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

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Helen interviews  Jane Thompson and Lana Lopez, co-chairmen of the Heart Rhythm Institute luncheon and shopping event, and Laurie Hyde, HRI advisory board.

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