For Kevin and Christine New, supporting the Joe Beretta Heart Foundation is deeply personal. “Like so many families, we understand how suddenly heart disease can impact the people you love most,” they say. The Foundation’s mission—raising awareness, providing education, and supporting heart health—resonates with the News because it’s about protecting families and giving others the chance to live longer, healthier lives. By serving as event chairs for this year’s Dinner in the Vines, they aim to honor the importance of caring for one another while giving back to the community.
The News describe Dinner in the Vines as more than a gala—it’s an experience that blends purpose with elegance. “Guests aren’t just attending a dinner; they’re directly fueling life-changing programs for families in crisis,” Kevin explains. From live and silent auctions to curated culinary experiences and thoughtful surprises, every detail of the evening is intentional. “There really is no event like it,” Christine adds, “and we’ve planned some incredible moments this year that will take the evening to a whole new level.”
The venue itself, a private vineyard, adds a layer of meaning to the celebration. “Joe Beretta, with Lillian’s help, planted every single vine by hand before he passed,” they share, “Although he never got to taste the wine, the vineyard has become a living part of his legacy.” Hosting the event there reminds attendees that things built with love and intention continue to grow, giving long after they are planted. The setting, surrounded by nature and fine wine, makes the evening feel both personal and purposeful.
This year’s event promises a Tuscan Gardens theme, celebrating abundance of love, community, and generosity, and honoring the Foundation’s 10 years of service to families affected by heart failure. Highlights include open bar offerings, live and silent auctions, and two highly anticipated tasting upgrades: the always-sold-out wine tasting and, for the first time, a whiskey tasting experience. “Our vision as chairs is to create an experience that feels joyful, personal, and inspiring,” Kevin explains, “leaving guests connected to the Foundation’s mission and each other.”
Philanthropy thrives when the community comes together, and the News are grateful for Middle Tennessee’s generosity. “When people can see and feel the impact of their giving, it strengthens the community and expands the Foundation’s ability to serve more families with compassion,” Christine says. For those new to JBHF, the News emphasize that the Foundation meets families in moments of real crisis, often making the difference between stability and devastation.
Dinner in the Vines is more than a social event, it’s an opportunity to be part of something life-changing. Tickets for the May 30, 2026 event are available now at JBHeart.org, and the team is expecting another sold-out year. “Whether you attend, give, or help spread the word, your involvement truly makes a difference,” they say.
This celebration is about heart—both literally and figuratively—a testament to what generosity, intention, and community can accomplish when they come together for a meaningful cause.
Dinner in the Vines isn’t just a dinner—it’s a chance to support families, honor community, and make a meaningful impact