Main Event: Seeing Red in fight against heart disease

A Red Sea moved back and forth across the lobby of the International Event Center, moving into adjacent rooms and then settling in the dining room. It was the Rochester Go Red for Women Luncheon on — what else? — Valentine's Day.

Making it their mission to focus on heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women ages 20 and older, the Go Red Luncheon raised $47,800 in its 10th year.

There was much to do in addition to enjoying a delicious luncheon: health screenings sponsored by Mayo Clinic; a Diva Salon sponsored by Macy's and R!ah Hair Studio offering instant makeovers; hand massages; a silent auction and many vendor exhibits. The keynote speaker was Dr. Sharon L. Mulvagh, professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic and director of Women's Heart Clinic.

"US Bank is proud to be a major local sponsor of this," said Greg Layton, one of an entourage of ambassadors from the bank offering guests a signature drink of a mixture of juices. "We are all glad to be here today."

Laurel DeWaldwas attending for the first time. "This is such an important cause, and they put together a great educational and entertaining time," she said.

Wildtree Foods was sampling their wares. "We are offering heart-healthy products like grape-seed oil," said representative Jennifer Halvorson. "We do home tasting parties, but this is wonderful to be a part of this fundraiser. I am meeting lots of great women."

Testing cholesterol levels has never been easier, said Mayo Clinic nurse Jessica Brown. "We are finding some women very surprised at their test results. If we can help just one person … that is our goal," Brown said.

The advice to women stopping by the Mayo booth: education, diet and exercise. "They seem to be listening carefully," said Brown.

Beth Sanderfoot,home care director at Arbor Gardens, said, "We are making people aware of aging alternatives, offering a 34-unit assisted living facility. Being here today has given us an opportunity to inform and answer questions these ladies might have."

Mary Chapmanagreed, "Women are most often involved in health-care decisions for our families."

Smiles were abundant as friends and family members attending the luncheon were treated to photos by Salt and Pepper photography.

Kat Cervantesof R!ah Hair Studio was more than happy to help women in the spa area. "We have helped about 25 women have a new look. It's been so fun for them and fun for us. A great event," she said.

"It takes commitment and dedication to put the Go Red Luncheon together every year," said Dianna Robinsonof US Bank and chair-elect for the event. "Chair Elaine Garry and Medical Chair Dr. Rekha Mankad and I give many thanks to the Executive Leadership Team and Ambassadors for their hard work in making this a success."

For more information: www.goredforwomen.org

1/10: Laura Swann of Dallas, TX gets her blood pressure red on Thursday during Go Red For Women at Rochester International Event Center.

2/10: From left, Deb Throndson, Barb Henoch, Ann Sand, Marlys Kuehn and Jan McDonough show their support for Go Red For Women on Thursday at Rochester International Event Center.

3/10: Nicole Schuster gets her hair curled during the Go Red For Women event on Thursday at Rochester International Event Center.

4/10: Mary Hegrenes does Heather Woitas' hair on Thursday during the Go Red For Women event at Rochester International Event Center.

5/10: Sue Robb, Denise Kelly and Amber Hageman of US Bank greeted guests to the Go Red for Women luncheon. "There's been a great turnout of people coming through," said Robb.

6/10: Angie McGill Mayo Health Services cardiac nurse takes Tessa Olive's blood pressure at a health screening table at the Go Red for Women luncheon.

7/10: Attending the Go Red for Women Luncheon were (from left) Rekha Mankad, MD, Kari Carter, CNP, Peggy Menzel, RD and keynote speaker Sharon Mulvagh, MD, director of the Women's Heart Clinic.

8/10: Siri, a Season's Hospice therapy dog, was brought to the Go Red for Women event by her owner Lois Shub.

9/10: Go Red for Women attendees could get a bit of primping in the diva salon before the program at the Rochester International Event Center.

10/10: Flutes of juice cocktail were served to the guests at the Go red for Women luncheon.