Red Hot Summer Night event raises nearly $150,000 to improve heart health for all
AUSTIN, June 12, 2026 —Cardiovascular disease and stroke can affect anybody, of any age – and the young professionals community in Austin is turning up the heat to make sure everyone is prepared to save a life. The American Heart Association’s Young Professionals with Heart raised nearly $150,000 at Red Hot Summer Night, a signature event honoring Central Texas leaders, emerging professionals and honorees to support the mission of improving heart health for all.
Hosted at Assembly Hall, Red Hot spotlighted the impact of 14 HeartThrob honorees, a group of young professionals who spent the previous season raising awareness and funds in their competition to be crowned Austin’s HeartThrob. Together, they rallied peers to fuel research, education and programs aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease – the leading cause of death in Central Texas.
- Third-place winner Gina Perkins raised $12,217
- Second-place winner Pirie Humphries raised $16,377
- First-place winner and Austin HeartThrob Logan Thorne raised $19,271
“I said yes to this campaign because heart disease and stroke have affected my family directly,” said Thorne. “The American Heart Association is doing critical work to change those outcomes – and being a HeartThrob is a chance to contribute to that mission in a meaningful way.”
Every honoree brought their own explanation for what drove them to build a world of healthier, longer lives. Alberto Gonzalez sought to remind everyone that the Latino and LGBTQ+ communities matter, and that, “representation is a form of care.” Honoree Emily Gupton’s mother, “listened to her intuition and received the intervention and care she needed, saving her life,” inspiring Gupton to make sure the women in her life get the care they need. And second-place winner Pirie Humphries watched her father, a swimming coach, receive life-saving heart surgery and, two years later, recognize the signs of a cardiovascular emergency in one of his collegiate athletes, saving their life.
The impact of young professionals in Austin is direct, meaningful and driven by experience and the need to protect their communities from the world’s leading cause of death, cardiovascular disease.
This year’s HeartThrob honorees included:
- Lillian Ducote (Whole Foods Market)
- Charlotte Friend (St. David’s HealthCare)
- Alberto Gonzalez (Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce)
- Victoria Gonzalez (ECPR Texas)
- Emily Gupton (SKG Texas)
- Pirie Humphries (Austin Portfolio Real Estate)
- Nicole Lucas (Yeti)
- Nathan Martinez (Troutman Pepper Locke)
- Jayne McLaughlin (Pricewaterhouse Cooper)
- Gina Perkins (The University of Texas)
- Alyssa Ramirez (Realty Austin)
- Gary Schwarz (Jefferson Bank)
- Logan Thorne (Poncho Outdoors)
- Thumper (American Heart Association)
Hannah Rucker from media sponsor KVUE brought the energy as emcee, and two sets from local blues-rock band Winkler Mill got everyone dancing. Red Hot Summer Night was sponsored by Live Fierce, Be Relentless sponsor Ascension Seton.
“Being an honoree was an incredibly rewarding experience!” said Thorne. “I’m so proud of all the honorees and the lasting impact we’ve made as young professionals. All the funds raised go towards ensuring that breakthroughs in science, policy and care can be felt by all in our community in Austin. I’m so grateful to have been a part of it.”
For more information about Red Hot Summer Night, visit 2025-2026 Austin Young Professionals. To inquire about joining the next Young Professionals with Heart cohort, contact Jacob.Furry@heart.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Michael Vybiral: michael.vybiral@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
