By Sarrah Peters
News Editor
Gadsden Regional Medical Center will host its 12th annual Go Red event on Friday, February 12 at 6 p.m. at Gadsden Convention Hall.
Go Red will be held a week after National Wear Red Day on February 5. Many GRMC employees wear red to raise awareness of the devastating rates of heart disease and strokes in women
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States.
Go Red is a way for Gadsden Regional Medical Center to increase awareness of this terrible disease and raise money for the American Heart Association while offering a fun-filled evening for attendees.
This year the event will be hosted by Leslie Harp, Gadsden Regional Medical Center’s Director of Physician Outreach. In 2014, bad weather prevented Fox 6 news anchor Janice Rogers from getting to the event to host. Harp filled in, and received rave reviews.
“She is going to do a fantastic job,” said Natalie Fleming. “She’s a born entertainer.”
The keynote speaker for the event this year is Dr. Alberto Echeverri, a general surgeon. He has recently had some cardiac problems himself.
“He’s just like us,” said Fleming. “Heart issues can happen to anybody.”
Dr. Echeverri will discuss his personal experiences. He will also discuss the lifestyle changes that can be made to lower the risks of cardiac problems.
As always, Gadsden Convention Hall will be fabulously decorated.
For the second year, the event will be catered by The Bridal Garden.
“The Bridal Garden was just such a success last year,” said Fleming.
The waiters at Go Red will be the GRMC Heartthrobs, men who work at the hospital. Tip jars on every table will be counted to determine the King of Hearts and his two runners up. Don’t forget to bring tip money!
This year the Warrior Representatives of Westbrook Christian will be helping out the Heartthrobs. The Warrior Representatives are 11th and 12th grade students that serve in the school and community.
This year’s Go Red will also see a return of the fashion show. Local boutiques have been invited to supply a model in their clothes.
“Our community supports Gadsden Regional in so many aspects, not just at Go Red,” said Fleming. “So I think it’s good for us to support the community whenever we can, and I think this is a wonderful opportunity to do that.”
Attendees will receive “swag bags” or a small gift. Attendees are also eligible for a chance to win door prizes.
Tickets for the event are $30 each, and $240 for a table of eight. They are sold Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the 1st floor information desk in GRMC. Tickets will be sold until February 11.
For more information, call 256-494-4300.