There’s a reason to think of hearts all year long, not just Feb. 14.

On Valentine’s Day, the Joe Beretta Foundation will present its inaugural Hopeful Hearts Valentine’s Gala at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh. It features live entertainment by No Bad Juju, a three-course meal and a silent auction.

The foundation, based in Nashville, has a partnership with UPMC to help raise money for families of those with end-stage heart failure.

The Joe Beretta Foundation helps advanced heart failure patients and their families by providing emergency housing, emotional support and stability in crisis. They serve patients in four hospitals across two cities, including UPMC. About 6.5 million adults in the U.S. have heart failure, according to the foundation’s website.

“Heart failure is everywhere, and on Valentine’s Day people are always looking for interesting things to do so that’s why we decided to have the event this Friday,” said Davey Shepherd, executive director of the Beretta Foundation.

His father-in-law Joe Beretta passed away from heart disease after advanced heart failure and an operation for a left ventricle assist device. His wife, Lillian, is from Pittsburgh, which is a big reason this event is being held here. Shepherd’s father-in-law underwent the surgery, needed a lengthy hospital stay and then rehabilitation before passing away from complications.

During his medical issues, his loved ones began to wonder how other families are able to get by if they don’t live close to the hospital.

Shepherd said the goal is to raise money to make sure anyone who needs heart surgery or a heart transplant can get what they need and not worry about the financial end of it.

Proceeds from the gala will go toward assisting Pittsburgh families in medical, financial and emotional crisis, Shepherd said. The event is hosted by UPMC and CareDx, a California company that specializes in working with transplant patients.

Tickets are $150 each.

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