Who: Supporters of the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, who know the best way to fight heart disease in women is with a toast To Her Health!
What: Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation's 2nd Annual To Her Health! wine dinner.
Where: Spill the Wine, Minneapolis
When: Thursday, July 30
Why: To raise awareness for heart disease, the number one killer of women.

Despite the very serious cause--to raise money and awareness to fight heart disease in women--the scene in the gorgeous upstairs space at Spill the Wine in Minneapolis was one of hope, as 100-plus guests gathered for a fabulous six-course wine dinner. I was fortunate to bring a few colleagues to the event, Melissa Colgan, Maura Ryan, and Shawn Gilliam, and we were more than impressed with the turnout.

The evening started with passed appetizers and Prosecco, a deliciously bubbly way to start an evening. We perused the silent auction table, stopping to seriously debate whether the four of us could handle a weekend together at Lake Vermillion--boat and jet ski included--and met Greg Bonine-Giles, who works in external relations for the foundation and acted as the night's emcee. I also spotted recent Mpls.St.Paul Magazine photo essay subject Monica Nassif, president of Caldrea and Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, who was photographed for the "Mothers Daughters" article with her mother and muse, Mrs. Thelma Meyers.

We sat for dinner, and Melissa and I were at a table with Catherine Smalley and Jodie Heyerdahl of Grapevine PR, and Denise Windenberg, who is a research manager with the foundation. The conversation jumped between industry talk with the Grapevine ladies, and hearing about the incredible work and research being done by the foundation from Denise. Note to self--do yoga more, my heart with thank me. The conversation was happily interrupted by short wine lessons during each course, while we enjoyed two more whites, two dark, delicious reds, and a sweet port for dessert while nibbling on strawberry salad, shrimp, chicken gnocchi, beef tenderloin skewers, and mint ice cream. The best part--you could take home any of the wines you tried, and a percentage of the proceeds went to the foundation. The MSP crew did not go home empty-handed.

If you want to support one of the foundation's fab events, check out 27th Annual Spirit of the Heart Gala at the Depot on September 26.