Seeing Red

More than 400 ladies, wearing their best scarlet-hued ensembles, turned out on a brisk February morning to support the American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women Luncheon. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 5, at Hilton New Orleans Riverside, ladies took advantage of free health screening and educational seminars. Local sponsor Chevron presented “Fuel for Life”, while Peoples Health simultaneously held its “Women and Heart Failure” session, both of which aimed to education women on the number one killer of their gender, heart disease. Following the various seminars and activities of the morning, a special sit-down lunch was catered by the hotel, where guests enjoyed a lively fashion show. An inspirational speech from a young stroke survivor took place before the show began, and sent out a message of solidarity and hope against heart disease. Mimi Bowen of Mimi Boutique generously donated clothing. Ginny Hilfiger’s clothing line, carried exclusively at Mimi Boutique, was the featured choice of the runway ladies, who strutted their stuff in some of the designer’s best red frocks. Paris Parker Salon, who was also one of the title sponsors, provided hair and makeup for the show. Event Chair Barbara Bush thanked guests for their generous support of such a worthy cause, and incoming chair Nancy Cassagne was also in attendance. Other notable committee members included Carroll Suggs, Lou Ellen Berger, Zully Jimenez, Susan Johnson and our very own Bev Church. In total, the morning’s festivities raised nearly $200,000 for the non-profit organization.