Eric De La Cruz Foundation raises $25K for 2 heart transplant patients

Television news anchor Veronica De La Cruz hosts Hope For Hearts “HeartFULL” charity event. DREW ALTIZER

SAN FRANCISCO — Supporters and philanthropists raised $25,000 at a downtown entertainment event for two local heart transplant patients.

The Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation’s Inaugural “HeartFULL” Charity Event held Feb. 25 at Villa Fontaine raised the amount for transplant patients Jasmine Winning and Brayden McQuillan.

Guest speakers at the event included Dr. Michelle A. Albert, MD, MPH, professor in medicine and cardiologist at the University of California at San Francisco; Dr. Christopher Almond, pediatric cardiologist and heart failure specialist at Stanford University of Medicine; Corie Crowe, the longest- surviving heart transplant recipient; Amanda Bradford, CEO of The League; and John Habibi, an executive health coach.

Proceeds from the event benefit the families of Jasmine Winning (above, left) and Brayden McQuillan (above, right). DREW ALTIZER

Featuring entertainment, a charity raffle and a silent auction, the evening was co-hosted by 99.7 NOW!’s Shan Berries, Project Runway’s Jenni Riccetti and Filipino American television news anchor Veronica De La Cruz, who launched the Hope For Hearts Foundation in 2010 after the death of her brother, Eric. (The Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization.)

Beneficiaries

One of the beneficiaries of the event, Jasmine Winning, was born in 2014 with a couple severe conditions involving her heart: Heterotaxy (the abnormal arrangement of the organs and all of Jasmine’s organs are on the wrong side) and Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a condition where the left side of her heart is underdeveloped and essentially leaves her with only half a functioning heart.

Cigna is refusing to cover some of her medical costs so Hope For Hearts sought to raise the $15,000 she needs for a lung vaccine that will keep her healthy until her next operation, which will be her third. She is currently a patient at Lucile Packard’s Children’s Hospital in the Bay Area.

“This event fosters a greater sense of community with our patients, families and friends while recognizing the efforts of those who work tirelessly to support the Foundation’s mission,” stated De La Cruz.

“We thank everyone who participated in Hope For Hearts inaugural fundraiser here on the West Coast and are so happy to have raised significant funds that will help the Winning and McQuillan families face the often overwhelming costs related to receiving a heart transplant,” she added.

Inspirational

Potrero Hill’s Villa Fontaine was the setting for the inspirational fundraiser. Welcomed on the red carpet by harpist Erica Messer, guests from the celebrity, fashion, music and media industries turned out for the black-tie event.

The evening’s festivities began with a cocktail hour sponsored by Campari and Sens Restaurant. San Francisco’s very own St. John of 99.7 NOW! kept the crowd dancing throughout the evening.

“I’m truly honored that so many talented people chose to participate in the Hope For Hearts fundraiser this year,” said De La Cruz. “It’s gratifying to share the important work the Foundation does and I know the results from this event will help Jasmine and Brayden, as well as their families.”

De La Cruz also took the microphone to offer the moving, personal story behind the formation of the non-profit, named in honor of her brother, Eric.

Brother’s cause

On July 4, 2009, Eric De La Cruz ran out of time waiting for a life-saving heart transplant. Founded by Veronica, the Hope For Hearts Foundation provides financial assistance, educational resources, and advocacy for heart transplant patients and their families as they face the daunting task of getting a second chance at life.

Veronica de la Cruz (center), Odette Keeley of New America Meda (extreme right) with members of the gala host committee. DREW ALTIZER Proceeds from the event benefit the families of Jasmine Winning (above, left) and Brayden McQuillan (above, right). DREW ALTIZER

Eric’s struggle even inspired a grassroots campaign, led by his sister Veronica, to support real change in healthcare through the Affordable Care Act [ACA].

During the Feb. 25 HeartFull Gala, Veronica introduced the event’s guest speakers, including Corie Crowe, Amanda Bradford and John Habibi. Adding to the excitement of the evening was a luxury silent auction that featured a trip to Thailand, a 6-hour Blue Steel Yacht tour and other items graciously donated by supporters.

Charity raffle prizes and gift bags included items from numerous supporting organizations such as the American Heart Association, Core Society Fitness, Dynamo Fitness, Harmless Coconut Water, Mary Kay and Porsche Design. San Francisco event photographer Drew Altizer covered the event and images are available online at his website at https://drewaltizer.com/event/1938- heart-full-hope-hearts-foundation-veronica-de-la-cruz.

Sponsors included Calturas, Harboring Hearts, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, Nob Hill Gazette, TRUECar and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals of Oakland and San Francisco.

To learn more about the Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation, visit the organization’s website at www.hopeforheartsfoundation.org.