One of the most anticipated events on the East End of Long Island is fast approaching. The American Heart Association's 9th Annual, Heart of the Hamptons, East End Gala is set for Saturday, June 11th at Villa Maria in Water Mill.

The evening will be catered by Starr Boggs and include a sampling of local wineries during the cocktail hour, a martini bar, delicious foods, and dancing. One of the highlights of the evening will be the live and silent auction that will include extraordinary auction items such as a $10,000 iron crafted chandelier from Laforge Francaise, jewelry from London Jewelers, an assortment of sports memorabilia and tickets, a variety of art and of course a spectacular wine selection will be available. Other highlights include; internationally known reportage artist Lynn Matsuoka who will be on site doing portraits for a donation to the American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association is pleased to announce that Andrew Sabin and Dr. Thomas Falco will also be honored at this year's Gala. Andrew Sabin is the owner of Sabin Metal Corporation, the largest privately owned precious metal refiner in the United States. Andrew Sabin is a resident of East Hampton. In spite of his busy schedule, Andrew continues to give back to his community and has been involved with the American Heart Association on Long Island for several years and is being honored this year for his continued dedication and support. Dr. Thomas Falco of East End Cardiology in Riverhead and Greenport is being honored for his hard work and dedication to his patients and the community. His continued commitment to the prevention and care of patients with heart disease make him an asset to the Long Island community.

This year, Jon Gruen, President of the Jason Foundation will serve as Chairman of this year's American Heart Association event. Jon currently resides in Manhattan and Sag Harbor. He is also known as Founder of Gruen Optika, an optical retailer with stores in East Hampton, Huntington, Connecticut and NYC. Jon started the Jason Foundation after suddenly losing his son to IHSS, an uncommon heart defect back in 1985. Jon is dedicated to raising funds for cardiac research.

This year's East End Gala Top sponsors include East End Cardiology, Sabin Metals and Harvey Ross.

The American Heart Association is committed to reducing disability and death from cardiovascular disease and stroke. The Gala will raise awareness and funds for research, education and community programs. To get involved with the East End Gala, tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Barbara Poliwoda at 631-734-2804 or Stacey Ciechanowski at 516-370-1021. For information about the American Heart Association contact us at 516-777-8447 or visit www.americanheart.org.

The Schedule of Events for the Gala:
The evening will begin with a VIP reception for top sponsors and committee members where there will be a fine wine pouring by Lenz Winery and elegant hors d'oeuvers. Than cocktail hour is held in the auction tent. Local wines will be poured during the cocktail hour and they include: Martha Clara, John Charles, Woelfer Estate and Peconic Bay. Dinner will be accompanied by Peconic Bay Winery's wines and dancing is in a separate tent where top sponsors and the honorees have reserved seating. The honorees will receive awards that night and then the live auction will follow. The silent auction is comprised of 7 different categories; Wines, Personnel and Pampering, Fine Art, Sports and Leisure, Dining out and entertainment, travel and leisure and Kaleidoscope. The wine category has the most selection of local wines as well as wines from around the world. The live auction will consist of our 7 best items. There is also a fun band for dancing.