Heart disease is the #1 killer of women.  One of every 3 American women dies of heart disease.  The YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts is holding its 5th Annual Red Dress Fashion Show & Silent Auction to raise awareness of heart disease in women.  The event will be held on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 5:30 pm at the Century House in Acushnet. 

The YWCA continues to be an active participant in the National Heart Truth Red Dress Project.  The Red Dress Project includes a collection of 19 dresses from America’s most prestigious designers modeled by women.  These dresses symbolize the fact that heart disease is a women’s health issue, as well as a man’s and sends the message that “Heart disease does not care what you wear.”

“Many people still believe that heart disease is a man’s disease, when in fact, it is the number one killer of American women,” says Gail Fortes, Executive Director at the YWCA.  “Many risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and family history also contribute to a woman’s risk of developing heart disease.  It is very important that women are aware of the steps that they can take to reduce their risk of developing heart disease.” 
Mistress of Ceremonies for the event is Julie Ruditzky, from ABC6. Keynote speakers are Marguerite Perryman, a congestive heart failure survivor and Donna Querim, Nurse Clinician for the Cardiac Prevention Program at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

The Red Dress Fashion Show includes a collection of red dresses from a variety of local stores:  Ashworth’s Women’s Apparel, Celia’s Boutique, Clara’s Boutique, Contrary, The Crowning Touch, Dress Barn, JC Penney, Jenn & Jill’s Bridal Boutique, Julie’s Bridal Boutique & Fabric, Margaret’s Boutique, Rosalinda’s Fashions, Runway, and Step Into Fashion  Nineteen community women, including Valerie Amaral, Miss Massachusetts and Marissa Louro, Miss New Bedford will model for the event.

The silent auction will feature a variety of items, baskets and gift certificates.  All proceeds benefit the YWCA HEARTplus Program. The event is sponsored in part by Bank Five, McGladrey & Pullen, LLP and Shaw’s Supermarkets.

Tickets for the event are $40.00.  A table for ten is $400.00 with a ½ page program ad.  Seating is limited.  No tickets will be sold at the door.  For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the YWCA at 508-999-3255 or toll free at 1-877-222-2388.

###

Press Room

New Bedford 360 accepts Press Releases and Announcements from individuals, companies and organizations in the Greater New Bedford area.

You can submit your Press Release at no cost HERE.

Your Announcement or Press Release must be relevant to the Greater New Bedford community. We do not accept submissions from outside this area.

View all articles by Press Room