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