10th anniversary Midlands Go Red for Women Luncheon a huge success
May 23, 2016
Over 220 men and women of the Midlands community attended the 10th annual Midlands Go Red for Women Luncheon at the University of South Carolina Alumni Center on Thursday, May 12th. The event hosted by Patricia Moore-Pastides celebrated the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women campaign.
Go Red for Women is designed to encourage Midlands men and women to passionately participate in the movement to raise awareness of the issues of heart disease in women. The luncheon kicked off with a silent auction, a networking opportunity, and a health expo featuring local businesses that promote healthy eating and active living. Representatives from Macy’s, the national sponsor of the Go Red for Women campaign, gave guests red lipstick to wear during the event.
Patricia Moore-Pastides, First Lady of the University of South Carolina, led the executive leadership team and helped raise more than $132,000. Forty five men and women joined the Circle of Red or Men Go Red For Women, elite groups of individuals who give a personal gift of $1,000 or more. The 2016 Luncheon is the most successful event in the 10 year history of the Midlands Go Red For Women movement and supported heart disease and stroke research and advances.
Attendees enjoyed a keynote presentation from Catherine Heigle, Director of South Carolina DHEC, a seated lunch, and an Open Your Heart Moment, in which Jenni Meyer shared her story as a Midlands Go Red representative and heart disease survivor. There was not a dry eye in the room as Meyer’s son, Brennan, thanked the American Heart Association for all of the work they do and for more time with his mother.
“It was an honor to have my son speak about the importance of women’s heart health and supporting the incredible mission of the American Heart Association”, Meyer’s said. “I am alive today because I listened to my body and sought help. I encourage every woman to make time for their health so they can be around for those they love.”
While heart disease and stroke heavily burdens the U.S. as the nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death, heart disease and stroke heavily impacts women specifically. Each year, more women than men have will die from heart disease and approximately 55,000 more women than men will die from stroke. Although 80% of heart disease events are preventable with lifestyle modifications such as adequate physical activity, consuming a heart-healthy diet, and quitting smoking. Funds raised from the Midlands Go Red for Women Luncheon support heart disease and stroke research, awareness, and programs to eliminate heart disease and stroke.
For more information about the American Heart Association and the Midlands Go Red for Women movement, please visit call 803.806.3091 or visit midlandsscgoredluncheon.heart.org
About the American Heart Association
Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association today is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. These diseases, America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers, and all other cardiovascular diseases claim nearly 870,000 lives a year. In fiscal year 2006-07 the association invested more than $554 million in research, professional and public education, advocacy and community service programs to help all Americans live longer, healthier lives. To learn more, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit www.heart.org.
