Held at the Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston on May 12th, the American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women Luncheon was a gathering teeming with power, poise, and passion for a cause close to many of our hearts (quite literally!).
As I walked into the venue, it was impossible not to feel the energy in the room, heightened by the vivid red decor that perfectly matched the passionate spirit of this cause.
The day kicked off with a Mission Expo. We had local Houston firefighters teaching us CPR and there were booths for blood pressure checks and various heart-related educational experiences. It’s amazing how much you can learn in such a short time when you’re surrounded by experts and engaging exhibits! Also, setting up shop in the hotel foyer was local entrepreneurs, Roslyn (Ro) Bazzelle Mitchell and Kimberly (Ki) Phipps-Nichol, owners of RoKi Designs and great supporters of American Heart who were featuring their “Go Red Scarf”, custom designed for Heart and contributing a portion of their sale to AHA.
Our emcee for the luncheon was Sarah Pepper, vibrant Houston radio personality. Sarah’s personal story about her own heart health issues as a single mom struck a chord with many of us. It was a stark reminder that heart health isn’t just about our physical well-being, but also our mental and emotional states.
Erin Asprec, the Go Red for Women Luncheon Chair, talked about the global impact of the American Heart Association’s work – a powerful message that underscored the significance of the cause we were supporting.
But one of the most moving moments of the event was the heartfelt speech by honoree and keynote speaker, Amy Grant. The talented singer-songwriter shared her personal experience with heart problems while touring, emphasizing the need to prioritize health over everything else. Amy’s words resonated with many of us and her subsequent lively performance added a unique spark to the event.
One of the most thrilling announcements of the day was the astounding $1.65 million raised through the Go Red for Women Campaign. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the power of collective effort towards a common goal.
This luncheon has always been one of the most meaningful events of the spring season. As I left the event, my heart was full – not just from the delicious luncheon, but from the hope and inspiration provided. The American Heart Association’s relentless pursuit of a world of longer, healthier lives is truly inspiring.
It’s worth mentioning that while Go Red for Women has educated millions of women about cardiovascular disease since 2004, there’s still work to do. Younger women often aren’t aware of the risk, and that’s something we need to change. As we move forward into summer, I’m grateful for and excited about all that Heart has done already this year and what our plans are for the rest of the year!
American Heart Association Go Red Luncheon featuring gospel-pop singer Amy Grant
