Power Red Women Luncheon Raises an Astonishing $1.8 Million in One Afternoon: Showing Plenty of Heart Matters

Perhaps the greatest female heart disease survivor story of all time was shared with a mesmerized contingent at The Post Oak Hotel as best-selling author and history-making polar explorer and mountaineer Alison Levine, who has overcome three major heart surgeries to excel in physical challenges, spoke. Her staggering accomplishments give testimony to the success of female heart health care when attention is given to the subject.

Levine was guest speaker at the American Heart Association’s annual “Go Red for Women” luncheon that raised an astounding $1.8 million for the battle against heart disease and stroke. The momentous event was chaired by Roberta Schwartz, Houston Methodist executive vice president, and Rachel Clingman, AHA board member.

Close to 600, many swathed in red, joined the luncheon campaign which was founded to educate and empower women to be their own health advocates particularly in the arena of heart disease. In fact, businesswomen Regay Hildeth and Temika Jones shared their stories of surviving open heart surgery. Their testimonials can be viewed here.

In an unexpected move of generosity, businesswoman Hallie Vanderhider matched the $5,000-each contribution from the first 10 women who joined the Circle of Red donors group at the Cor Vitae level. Seventeen in all signed up and each were gifted with a $1,000 gift certificate from de Boulle Diamond & Jewelry.

More than just lunch, activities included a shopping expo, health screenings, hands-only CPR demos using a state-of-the-art CPR Kiosk, and a ‘Find Your Shade of Red” make-up experience with Macy’s.

Who: Emcees Gina Gaston and Katherine Whaley of ABC-13, AHA national board president Jim Postl, Houston AHA board board chair Charles Flournoy, Houston AHA board president Dr. Daniel Penny, Houston AHA executive director Yara El-Sayed, Houston Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen, City Councilwoman Amanda Edwards, Lois and John Crum, Cheryl Byington, Roberta and Lee Schwartz, Melanie Gray, Leila Gilbert, Karina Barbieri and Cathy Cleary.