Society: Heart Association luncheon nears goal

There was something comforting about witnessing some 800 folks assembled together, all dressed in red, supporting American Heart Association and its Go Red mission. The annual Go Red Luncheon, a movement to prevent heart disease and stroke, was held at Cobo Center this year.

The message focused on the fact that mothers, daughters, sisters and friends are all at risk. Heart disease and stroke cause one in three deaths among women each year — more than all cancers combined. Fortunately, that can be changed, because 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes.

“Our goal was to raise an astonishing $1 million,” explained Dr. Joan Crawford of St. John Providence, who was the event’s medical chair. “Before the luncheon and the silent auction, and the ‘open your heart campaign,’ which is a final ‘ask’during the luncheon, we had $800,000 committed. I hope we hit our goal (by the final count), which would be the most successful luncheon in the 15-year history of Detroit Go Red.”

For lunch, guests enjoyed a heart-healthy meal — a garden salad with warm chicken and whole baby carrots and red potatoes. Only extra virgin olive oil was used. No dessert. Nicole Curtis, of HGTV and DIY Network’s “Rehab Addict,” was the keynote speaker, focusing on empowerment and being a survivor. Fox 2’s Deena Centofanti officiated the event.

The luncheon also included a story from a survivor, comments from co-chairs, an interactive health expo, silent auction, vendor exhibits, breakout sessions, health screenings, and a VIP afterglow presented by McLaren Macomb.

Tickets ranged from $100 to $500 per person.

Chuck Bennett is the creator of TheSocialMetro.com and hosts “Chuck’s Closet” from 4-5 p.m. Saturdays on 910AM Superstation.