Pops of crimson, scarlet, claret, and ruby punctuated a gray and drizzly February morning at the Omni Dallas Hotel, as business leaders, philanthropists, and heart survivors converged to fight against heart disease and stroke at the 2019 Dallas Go Red for Women luncheon.
The American Heart Association — the world's leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives — is the beneficiary of this annual event (which also has a Fort Worth version), and the more than 1,200 attendees did not disappoint in their generosity to help raise vital awareness and funds for research and education programs to fight cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in women.
Co-chaired by Judy Hendrick and Katherine and Key Coker, this year's luncheon raised a record-breaking $1.8 million and counting.
Guests — including Stacey and Dave Johnson, Kellie Rasberry, Caroline Kraddick, Lisa Cooley, Barbara Smith, Moll Anderson, Courtney Kerr, AHA CEO Nancy Brown, AHA president Dr. John Warner, Kelly and Marty Turco, and survivors Amy Ware and Nancy Gopez — took part in health screenings, hands-only CPR training, and women's health education opportunities.
The expansive silent auction included such covetable packages as an Oscar de la Renta runway experience; a four-night stay in Whistler, British Columbia; a suite at Ariana Grande's Dallas concert; and a New York shopping spree with "the Bag Snob" Tina Craig followed by tea with fashion designer Nicky Hilton.
This year's keynote speaker was ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton, a board-certified OB-GYN who has dedicated her life to empowering women to be knowledgeable, know what to ask their doctor, and take charge of their overall health.
Her inspiring speech was complemented by an inspiration video depicting the experience of cardiac arrest survivor and schoolteacher Alisha Byerly, as well as a stirring live performance by local dancers and musicians.
Dr. Helen H. Hobbs was honored with the Sandi Haddock Community Impact Award, which recognizes a key female leader in the Dallas community who has made a significant impact with a focus on the betterment of women's health issues. As a faculty member at UT Southwestern, Hobbs spearheaded the establishment of the Dallas Heart Study, a multi-ethnic, population-based study of heart and metabolic diseases. As a geneticist, her work has been instrumental in the fight against heart disease.
Since it launched in 2004 as an awareness campaign, the Go Red for Women movement has saved the lives of 670,000 women.
Elizabeth Saab, Christine Allison, Jennifer Davis Long, Maggie Kipp, Melissa Sherrill Martin, Kate Rose Marquez, Heather Baker, Nancy Gopez
Natalie Boerder, Kaleta Blaffer-Johnson, Meredith Connally, Jennifer Cifuentes, Nathalie Barrera, Hayden Hrncir.Photo by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio
A quartet played Rodgers and Hammerstein tunes during dinner. Photo by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio