Go Red For Women Luncheon raises more than $135,000
More than 475 local women and men packed the room at Daniele’s Banquet Specialists in New Hartford on Wednesday, May 4th to help fight heart disease in women. The event raised more than $135,000 for the Go Red For Women campaign. The luncheon was sponsored nationally by Macy’s, along with local signature sponsor First Source Federal Credit Union.
This year’s luncheon recognized the area’s first-ever Go Red Survivor Class. The class features eight local women who are survivors of heart disease and stroke. Survivor Class member Ondrea Grippe-Getz, who had open heart surgery nearly 30 years ago, and her mother Donna Grippe, shared their family’s story. Both women say they are impressed by the advancements in technology and research since the time of Ondrea’s surgery at 7 years old.
Before the luncheon got underway, attendees had the opportunity to attend a heart health fair to learn about stress management, healthy cooking, their personal risk of stroke and much more.
The chairwoman of the 2016 Go Red For Women campaign was Joanne Donaruma Wade. “My community is why I am proud to be involved with Go Red For Women,” said Donaruma Wade. “When I retired, I knew I wanted to stay involved in my community. I took up the Go Red For Women mission after hearing stories from several heart disease and stroke survivors. I want to ensure as many women as possible can prevent heart disease before they become a statistic.”