This Sunday, April 12, marks the 13th annual Eat Drink Love, the signature fundraiser for the Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation (OHHF). The event will be hosted at Olive + Oak (216 W. Lockwood), which is co-owned by hosts Jennifer and Mark Hinkle.
Over the past 12 years, Eat Drink Love has become one of St. Louis’ premier culinary events, bringing together the city’s top chefs, wine distributors, breweries, and generous donors for an afternoon of food, drink, and philanthropy.
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“The first year, in 2013, we raised $35,000. Last year, it was more than $600,000, in one afternoon,” says Mark. “Just as amazing is that pre-COVID, we had 800 attendees. Post-COVID, when we moved into our new space, we had to cut the number to around 350 but raised as much money as we ever had. I’m happy to say that last year, we passed the $10 million mark in donations.
“People continue to give at incredibly high levels,” he adds, “and the foundation has responded by doing some really incredible things. We remain super transparent to make sure people see the impact from the work we’re doing.”
The event fills The Hall at Olive + Oak with roughly 20 restaurant vendors and a similar number of beverage distributors. Guests can expect standout offerings from some of the city’s most celebrated chefs, including Qui Tran (Mai Lee, Nudo House), Gerard Craft and Evy Swoboda (Niche Food Group), Kevin Nashan (Sidney Street Cafe, Peacemaker Lobster & Crab), Loryn Nalic (Balkan Treat Box, Telva at the Ridge), the Tilford brothers (Session Taco, Lapez Mod Mex, Sobremesa), and the team from Pappy’s Smokehouse.
New participants this year include Heidi Hamamura (Taberu STL), Andrew Cisneros (Jalea, Brasas, Rockwell Beer Co. taproom), Julie Truong (DD Mau), the food and beverage team from No Ordinary Rabbit, and executive chef Luke McKean of Carbon Members Club in Clayton.
On the beverage side, Hinkle was brief and to the point. “Over the years, we have been fortunate that the distributors have always been willing to bring out the big dogs. It’s hard to walk into a room and encounter 175-200 wines on such a high level.”
Additional highlights include a Fund-A-Need, a “Bad Ass Wine Basket” raffle, and a silent auction. The event runs from 3–6 p.m. Tickets are $250 per person and available here.
The Foundation
The Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation was established after the Hinkles lost their 13-month-old son, Oliver, to congenital heart disease, the most common birth defect in the U.S. and the leading cause of death in infants. Initially focused on funding research, the foundation has evolved to address both medical innovation and the day-to-day realities faced by heart families.
“Will there be a cure for congenital heart disease? Probably not without major genetic modifications,” Mark says. “So our focus has shifted to realizing its prevalence, improving care, better diagnostics, less invasive treatments, and supporting families living with CHD.”
That shift has led to investments in technologies such as 3D imaging and AI-driven diagnostics and treatment, helping hospitals deliver more precise and less invasive care. “People can now walk into a hospital and see the direct impact of what they’ve funded,” he says.
As the organization has grown, so has the scope and frequency of its fundraising efforts. OHHF now hosts a range of events, including educational initiatives such as CPR at the Bar and the Take Heart Conference; activity-focused events such as Derby Day, the Golf Tournament, and the Run for Heart Warriors 5K; and donor events including the Hearts of Gold Dinner and the aforementioned Eat Drink Love.
Central to its mission is Ollie’s Branch, the foundation’s mental health program, which was launched during the pandemic, “when parents and family couldn’t visit the hospitals together,” Mark says. “It provides free mental health services to the afflicted, the parents, family caregivers, the entire support system, needs that are complex and ongoing.
“People don’t always realize the emotional toll,” he adds. “Parents face PTSD, anxiety, and isolation. Siblings’ lives are disrupted. Ollie’s Branch supports the entire family system.” Last year alone, the program delivered more than 10,000 therapy sessions to families across all 50 states.
