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Red letter day

Luncheon raises $250,000 for the local affiliate of the American Heart Association

The Central Arkansas Go Red for Women luncheon isn't just a luncheon these days. It has become a full-out expo, a festival with a cause.

The 2017 fundraiser, hosted by the American Heart Association's central Arkansas affiliate, was held May 17 inside and outside the grand ballroom of the Little Rock Marriott. It was a visual feast, dotted by the scarlet attire of event attendees and the small army of volunteers.

Various vendors' booths joined the silent-auction items in the lobby areas. Guests could shop, get massages, participate in a jewelry pull, sign up for a healthy-meal service, view photos and stories of female heart-disease survivors and even walk through a giant, inflatable brain, learning about the threats to brain health. And they could meet a queen: Savvy Shields, Miss America 2017 and the featured event speaker.

Shields shared about the heart-healthy lifestyle she followed growing up; the epiphany she underwent after entering college and departing from that lifestyle, to her detriment; the dangers of sugar in the American diet; and the benefits of turning to "whole and real foods ... in the perimeters of your grocery store."

The luncheon itself was an eclectic, nutritious meal that included chicken breast with mango and queso beef skewers. Dawn Scott was master of ceremonies for the program, which included remarks from co-chairmen Heather and Dr. Jay Geoghagan and LaShawn and Dr. Morris E. Kelley.

Highlights included the presentation of the 2017 class of survivors and an "Open Your Heart" survivor story by Kimberly Moore, who'd lost her mother, sister and brother to heart disease and suffered a rare form of cardiomyopathy.

The luncheon drew 500 women and garnered $250,000, according to affiliate representative Rebecca Buerkle.

High Profile on 05/28/2017

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