Mixing celebration with information, and fast facts with inspiring stories, the American Heart Association is set to hosts its Permian Basin Go Red for Women Luncheon in Odessa this May.
The event is set for May 2 at Odessa Country Club. Donna Hartley is set to be featured as keynote speaker during the event, which will also feature a silent auction, a heart-healthy lunch and more involving the Go Red for Women campaign.
“I’m excited,” Hartley said over the phone Monday.
The annual event aims to raise awareness toward preventable heart health issues, and raise money for the American Heart Association.
Individual tickets are available for $50 at PermianBasinGoRed.heart.org. Group tables and sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Hartley is a former Miss Hawaii and actress who has survived cancer and open-heart surgery.
“I love to do these because, being a heart survivor, I probably had only two weeks to live or I would’ve had a heart attack,” Hartley said. “So I want other people to become aware, so they check their heart before it gets to that crisis stage.”
Hartley said she’s been a part of more than two dozen American Heart Association events.
“It’s educational, along with people having a great time, seeing other friends, raising money, being aware, and passing it down from generation to generation to generation,” Hartley said.
“It really is a valuable couple of hours. It could save your life, so that’s how valuable it is.”
American Heart Association regional communications director Alex Bravata echoed Hartley’s description off the event.
“It’s just a good way for women to connect and to learn more about their health,” she said.
Bravata said money raised at the event will go toward the American Heart Association’s mission, which she said includes funding research and grants along with awareness-raising ventures.
“Our main goal is to raise awareness about women’s heart health, because heart disease does kill one in three women, and I think a lot of people don’t realize that,” Bravata said.
“Our goal is really just to raise awareness about heart disease in women, and in men. I think when they come to these events, they can expect some educational advice from speakers, and things like that. And we also want it to be a celebration as far as women coming together.”
