By KEVIN CHIRI

Publisher

LAPLACE — Organizers of the annual American Heart Association gala might be wondering how they got so lucky.

With the AHA event each year scheduled sometime near the summer, there was the possibility of the new St. John Community Center being finished in time to be used.

&#8220When I told people we were going to have the gala at the Community Center, they thought I was crazy,” Event Chair Natalie Tatje said. &#8220But that’s what’s going to happen, and we are so excited about what a big event it is going to be.”

The AHA fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, May 20 at the new St. John Community Center on Highway 51, beginning at 7 p.m., and will be the first major event to be held at the much-anticipated multi-purpose hall for the parish.

Tatje, along with co-event chair members Kurt Tatje, Michael Coburn and Karen Coburn, have lined up a fabulous night of fun and entertainment, all with the cause of raising over $50,000 to benefit heart disease awareness, and research into a cure for the disease.

&#8220We have got a silent auction, great food from most every area restaurant or caterer, a great band, and one fun night planned,” Tatje said. &#8220And of course it’s so exciting that it will be at the Community Center.”

Tickets are still available for the night at $45 each by calling 359-SAVE (7283).

There will be a silent and live auction, with many wonderful items such as sports memorabilia, a signed poster by the artist of the Crescent City Classic, and numerous other great odds and ends to bid on.

Tatje said the local AHA organization is in contact with the New Orleans Saints and they are hopeful of having some Saints players at the event.

&#8220No promises, but we are talking to them and we are trying to work out some possible Saints players,” she said.

The food that will be offered as part of the admission price may be the best deal of all.

Area restaurants from St. John and St. Charles parishes will have some of their best dishes to be enjoyed, and then live entertainment will be provided by the popular band Misbehaven.

&#8220We just hope that we get a great turnout to show support for the AHA, as well as have a great opening night at the Community Center,” Tatje added.