PLANTATION, FLA. – Angel's Pediatric Heart House (APHH) is gearing up for its 4th Annual "Toes in the Sand" Shrimp Boil on the Beach fundraiser on Saturday, April 6, 2013. During the fun-filled and laid-back event, guests will enjoy all-you-can-eat boiled shrimp and fixin's, beer, wine and steel drum music while supporting APHH, a local nonprofit organization supporting families affected by congenital heart defects (CHD) and childhood acquired heart disease.

Funds raised from this year's event will fund the Financial Assistance Program for families in crisis during their child's extended hospital stay for heart surgery. The fund helps families meet basic human needs – food, rent, utilities, transportation, etc.

The beach event will take place at Lauderdale Surf Club, 2 Palm Ave., Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL, 33308, with a VIP reception from 5–6 p.m. and main event from 6–10 p.m. In addition to food, drinks and entertainment, guests will enjoy a Chinese auction. Event attire is beach chic.

Dr. Redmond Burke, Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery at Miami Children's Hospital is the guest of honor and this year's recipient of the "Healing Heart Award" for his outstanding work, compassion and service to children with CHD and their families. Three year old Nathaniel Thomas, one of Dr. Burke's patients, will receive the "Heart of a Champion" Award. Nathaniel was taken by life flight to Miami Children's Hospital immediately after birth and at 17 hours old underwent open heart surgery and another open heart surgery at 3 months.

Mel DiPietro of Resource Benefits, Inc. is the Event Honorary Chair. Partnership opportunities ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 are available. There are also opportunities for food, liquor, event and in-kind partners.

"Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the number one birth defect in the U.S. and in South Florida," said Sonia Perez, founder of APHH. "During the 'Toes in the Sand' event, guests can enjoy a memorable evening on the beach while raising funds to help alleviate hardships of the many local families affected by CHD."

APHH provides financial, emotional and social support through free programs and services to CHD children/families residing in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties or being treated at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Miami Children's Hospital or Holtz Children's Hospital. The organization is committed to increasing and promoting congenital heart defect awareness in the community.

The Wasie Foundation is the Title Sponsor of "Toes in the Sand" Shrimp Boil on the Beach. Currently joining them as partners are The Miami Children's Hospital Foundation, The Florida Panther's Foundation, PNC Bank, Incapital, The Davis Family, Resource Benefits, Tastebuds Catering, Broward Meat and Fish and official Media Sponsors Lifestyle Publications and Eye on South Florida. Tickets are $50 per person; VIP tickets are $100 per person (VIP advance ticket sales only).

For information about partnership/in-kind opportunities or tickets, please call Angel's Pediatric Heart House at 954-318-2020, email sonia@aphh.org or purchase tickets online beginning January 18th at www.aphh.org.

About Angel's Pediatric Heart House
Angel's Pediatric Heart House, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was created in February 2004 by Sonia Perez, wife of the late Dr. Angel R. Perez, a South Florida pediatric cardiologist. Angel's Pediatric Heart House is supported by public donations. The mailing address is 151 N. Nob Hill Road, #139, Plantation, FL 33324. For more information or to make a donation, please call 954-318-2020 or visit www.aphh.org.