By Sarrah Peters
News Editor
Gadsden Regional Medical Center held its 12th annual Go Red event on February 12 at Gadsden Convention Hall. Proceeds from the event benefitted the 2016 Northeast Alabama Heartwalk.
Reverand Norris Hilton started the evening with an invocation.
Attendees were treated to a meal from The Bridal Garden with a strawberry covered slice of cheesecake for dessert. The meals were served by Gadsden Regional Heartthrobs and the Warrior Reps of Westbrook Christian School.
Attendees were surprised by the appearance of Janice Rogers and Mike Dubberly, the anchors from WBRC Fox 6 News in Birmingham.
The duo presented the fashion show, introducing the models from the local boutiques that participated. Calla Lilies Boutique, located at 1525 Rainbow Drive in Gadsden; Hannah’s Closet, located at 3354 Rainbow Drive in Rainbow City; Jireh’s Boutique and Gifts, located at 546 Broad Street in Gadsden; Remona’s LaDiva Boutique, located at 622 Broad Street in Gadsden; Laurel E. Boutique, located at West Grand Avenue in Rainbow City; and The Willow Tree, located at 2109 Rainbow Drive in Gadsden all displayed looks in the show.
The next surprise for attendees was Leslie’s Lip Sync Lineup. The “randomly chosen” singers performed popular songs. The last song was an obviously choreographed rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” complete with an array of backup dancers.
Keynote speaker Dr. Alberto Echeverri spoke of living in Columbia, where he was born, before leaving for Gadsden State Community College to learn English. While here, Echeverri “got in love with this wonderful lady,” who is now his wife, Kathy. They have two daughters, Natalie and Lily. Echeverri recently had heart troubles of his own. While exercising, he experienced chest pressure, but disregarded it until it had happened twice more. He brought it up to a colleague at GRMC and ended up getting a stent that day. He went on to talk about reducing risk for heart disease through healthy lifestyle changes.
Afterwards, Wardrick Griffin of Gadsden Regional Medical Center’s administration department was crowned the King of Hearts.
Door prizes were awarded throughout the night.
Gadsden Regional Medical Center raised a new record of over $2,000 this year.