Southwest Florida Heart Ball 2025 to Feature Award-Winning Interior Designer and Survivor
The American Heart Association (AHA), a global force dedicated to extending the lives and improving the health of all individuals, is proud to announce that Wilfredo Emanuel, a renowned interior designer, architect, local HGTV Tables Wars celebrity, and editor-in-chief of WE World Magazine, has been appointed as the chairman of the upcoming Southwest Florida Heart Ball 2025 alongside co-chair Pamela Calligaro. The Heart Ball celebrates the collective impact achieved through passionate support of the American Heart Association’s Heart of Southwest Florida, an annual effort aimed at investing, saving, and enhancing lives in the community.
“Wilfredo is the perfect person to lead our Heart Ball campaign and has been raising awareness and volunteering for the American Heart Association for the past four years,” revealed Jessaca Rodriguez, executive director of development and community health at the American Heart Association.
“Pamela has been a long-time advocate and board member. Together, Wilfredo and Pamela exemplify true leadership. We welcome them to Heart of Southwest Florida, an initiative focused on better health for every individual by addressing critical issues that create barriers to health equity,” Rodriguez added.
Attendees of previous Heart Balls may recall Wilfredo’s spectacular Survivor Honorary Table, which he generously donated and designed for the last four galas. However, what many may not know is that there is a personal connection driving Wilfredo’s unwavering commitment.
Four years ago, while at work, Wilfredo began to feel unwell and confused. He was soon rushed to the emergency room, where he felt disconnected from reality. Despite the ECG showing normal results, he was trembling and kept under observation. Later, doctors revealed that he had suffered a heart attack and required immediate surgery. He underwent four quadruple bypass surgeries because the left side of his heart was not functioning.
This experience was a turning point for Wilfredo. It changed his perspective on life and health. He realized the importance of scientific research and care that the American Heart Association focuses on. He understood, more than ever, the fragility of life and the importance of maintaining good health.
“It is an honor to serve as chairman of the Southwest Florida Heart Ball 2025,” stated Wilfredo Emanuel. “Having faced the challenges of a heart attack and undergone four quadruple bypass surgeries, I am excited to work alongside Pamela, our outstanding team of volunteers, and the American Heart Association. Together, we must continue to strive for a lasting impact in preventing heart diseases. Thanks to the American Heart Association and scientific advancements, I was able to recover and start a new life after the four bypasses.”
Pamela Calligaro joins Wilfredo as co-chair of the Southwest Florida Heart Ball 2025. A long-time volunteer with the American Heart Association, Calligaro co-chaired the Richmond Heart Ball 2011, which honored local first responders. Upon moving to Naples, she joined the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association of the Southwest Florida region and began volunteering for the local Heart Ball campaign.
“Heart disease is a very personal issue in my family,” stated Pamela Calligaro. “My husband passed away suddenly due to a heart attack, and two months later, I lost my father to complications from a stroke. Several years later, I lost my sister to heart failure. As for myself, I underwent successful open-heart surgery in 2023 and now lead a healthy life. As a volunteer, I dedicate my time to the Association in order to make a difference and help continue the valuable work they do.”
The Southwest Florida Heart Ball 2025 is scheduled for March 21, 2025, at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. The evening will honor volunteers and sponsors, showcase survivor stories, and entertain guests with a dinner, dance, and exciting auction.
For more information on supporting or attending the Southwest Florida Heart Ball, visit our website here or contact Jessaca Rodriguez, executive director at Jessaca.Rodriguez@heart.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is an unwavering force dedicated to extending the lives and improving the health of all individuals. We are committed to ensuring health equity in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations and the drive of millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for public health, and share resources to save lives. Based in Dallas, the organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024, our centennial year, we will celebrate 100 years of significant history and achievements. As we prepare for the second century of discovery and impact, our vision is to promote health and hope for all, worldwide. Connect with us through heart.org, Facebook, or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For media inquiries:
Janeth P. Castrejon, janeth.castrejon@heart.org
heart.org and stroke.org