The fourth Annual Graeme's Gala is right around the corner, set for September 24 at Beckendorff Farms at 28533 Morton Road in Katy. The event raises critical funding to support research to help fight the nation’s most common birth defect – congenital heart disease. The festivities will begin with an open bar cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. and will welcome 300 guests in black tie or gown. The evening will feature fine dining, live entertainment, and remarks from local cardiology experts and families personally affected by congenital heart defects (CHDs) and will conclude with dancing. This evening will also feature opportunities to support The Graeme McDaniel Foundation through games, silent and live auctions, and a paddle raise.

The Graeme McDaniel Foundation has been raising research funds for this cause for over ten years, and founder Stephanie McDaniel can personally attest to the impact of CHD research. “Today, there are heart centers and doctors that focus solely on adult congenital heart patients,” she said. “That was unheard of ten years ago. Now 90% of all babies diagnosed with a CHD are living into adulthood. Unfortunately, even with all of the great advancements, CHDs are the most common type of birth defect, and the number one birth defect associated with infant mortality.:

Over the last five years, the organization has funded close to $3 million in CHD research. “Graeme’s Gala will ensure The Graeme McDaniel Foundation continues to fund this critical research and support heart families,” McDaniel said.

For more information or to register, go to https://graememcdanielfoundation.org/about-the-gala.