BATESVILLE — In its 12th year, the luncheon is an event for women by women. The luncheon will bring together 250 to 300 women, said event chair Joyce Prickett, an executive administrative assistant at Citizens Bank.
“These ladies look forward to receiving information regarding their health, as well as having a lot of fun,” Prickett said. “Citizens Bank has sponsored this event for 11 years, and this marks our 12th. I think what sets us apart from other organizations is that this event centers on women. We have raised well over $120,000 for our community.”
In 2006, the bank joined forces with the American Heart Association for its Go Red event to help raise awareness of heart disease in women, Prickett said. The committee decided in 2012, she added, to expand the focus on a variety of health issues women encounter. Thus the Red Hot Ladies Luncheon was established.
“We are passionate about the health of women in our community, and if in some small way through our event each year, we can help promote and provide information that may help save a life, we will always be involved,” Prickett said.
This year’s beneficiary is the White River Medical Center Breast Care Center, which provides a multidisciplinary approach to counsel patients through their breast-cancer journey. The medical center offers high-risk cancer screening and genetic testing, Prickett said.
“They are able to provide a more personal plan of care for each patient, and through our event, we will be able to raise funds to help purchase the necessary equipment they need for the screenings,” she said.
The guest speaker for the event will be Dr. Beth Milligan, who will speak about her personal experience with stroke. Milligan is the lead physician for the V-Impact Telehealth Primary Care Division of the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, according to an event news release.
“She will share her personal health experiences from more than 20 years in family medicine in central Arkansas and hopes to motivate women to live a healthier lifestyle,” the release states.
When guests enter the luncheon, they will be greeted by the Heartthrobs, an event favorite. The Heartthrobs are male representatives of Citizens Bank and the Breast Care Center. Dressed in black suits with pink bow ties, the men escort the ladies to their respective tables.
“The ladies love the Heartthrobs,” Prickett said. “It makes them feel special, and they are special to us.”
Other highlights of the event include its premier silent auction, raffle and live music.
“We always receive a lot of support from our local businesses for the auction and their sponsorship as well,” Prickett said.
The raffle item this year is a red grill with table, a value of $1,200. Alicia Williams will provide musical entertainment.
Citizens Bank is the premier sponsor of the event each year. The committee comprises bank staff and representatives of the given year’s beneficiary, Prickett said.
“Each committee member is always eager to help with this event each year,” she said.