DALLAS (April 6, 2023) – The American Heart Association held its annual Dallas Go Red for Women Luncheon on February 24th. The luncheon helped surpass the Association’s local fundraising goal, which reached $1.9 million raised through the 2023 Go Red for Women campaign. The event, sponsored nationally by CVS Health and presented locally by Texas Health and Commercial Metals Company, took place at the Omni Dallas Hotel in the heart of North Texas. Supporters and survivors gathered to spread awareness about the effect heart disease has on women as it claims the lives of one in three women per year. Heart disease remains the number one killer of women in America.
“Our annual luncheon is the pinnacle of the Dallas Go Red for Women Movement each year. This year were able to focus on stories of real women of all ages, like featured survivor and inspiration Sheena Fannin, showing there is not one face of heart disease. It could be me. It could be you,” said Samantha Eppler, Vice President Development of Go Red for Women in Dallas. “Losing even one woman to heart disease is too many. Education, awareness, and research could save any of us. That is why we Go Red.”
Her Story is Our Story, was the theme of the annual luncheon and guests were able to see that it can happen to any woman they know or love. Attendees used the Go Red Passports provided in the pre-event guest area to experience different stations around the hotel, taking a journey into the fight against cardiovascular disease. Guests donned their red attire and participated in free health screenings by Texas Health, the North Texas Go Red for Women Cause Sponsor. The event, sponsored nationally by CVS Health and presented locally by Texas Health and Commercial Metals Company, bubbly bar, a puppy station, and other fun and educational opportunities were also available.
This year’s inspiring keynote speaker was Emma Lovewell, Sr. Peloton instructor and author of Live Learn Lovewell. The Sandi Haddock Community Impact Honoree was Barbara Smith, CEO of Commercial Metals Company. The Dallas 2023 Go Red for Women chair was Jennifer Durbin, Vice President, and Chief Human Resources Officer at Commercial Metals Company.
Live and silent auctions were held to support lifesaving research, education and health impact initiatives for all women. Generous hearts gave gifts that could save lives. Auction items included a 5-night stay at the 30A Fall Beach getaway that hosts 8 people and is minutes from the beach, a Broken Bow Cabin for 5 nights that hosts 6 guests, a RW Fine Jewelry Necklace, a basketball autographed by the Dallas Maverick’s Luca Doncic, an opportunity to relax with a one-night stay at Barton Creek at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, and more.
The Association announced that the 2024 Dallas Go Red for Women Luncheon chairwomen will be Stacy Nahas, Partner, U.S. Audit Chief Client Care Officer at KPMG LLP, and Susan Wetzel, Partner, Chair of Business Transactions Department, and Co-Chair of the Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice at Haynes and Boone, LLP. 2024 is also the American Heart Association’s centennial year and the Association looks forward to celebrating twenty years of Go Red for Women. Those interested in connecting with the Dallas Go Red movement can email Samantha Eppler at Samantha.Eppler@heart.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Media Contact
Lindsey Lyons; Lindsey.Lyons@heart.org
Mobile
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
