More than 600 guests are expected to wear red and celebrate the Go Red For Women movement at the Southern New England Go Red For Women Luncheon chaired by Melissa Cummings from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island on February 17 at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence. Last year, the event raised more than $270,000 for the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission and this year the fundraising goal is set at $300,000.

Alison Bologna from NBC10 will serve as emcee and the Founders of “How to be a Redhead” will present keynote address during the luncheon program. Adrienne and Stephanie Vendetti, founders of the “How to be a Redhead” lifestyle and beauty brand will be featured with “Red Hot Conversation” as they discuss their connection to heart disease and how two young Rhode Island women launched “How to be a Redhead.” The program will wrap up with a fun and interactive live consultation on “How to Wear Red”! No matter the color of hair, there is a red look! The Vendetti sisters will show how wearing red can be empowering and can inspire living a long, strong, healthy life.

The Go Red For Women Luncheon is a celebration of a yearlong movement to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke in women. The event begins with a Festival of Red at 10:30 a.m. where guests will enjoy Macy’s Beauty Bar and other beauty booths, Cardiologist Concierge with Dr. Heather Hurlburt and Dr. Jennifer Jarbeau, Health Screenings, Cooking Demos, Giveaways, Health Information Stations, Networking Opportunities and Breakout Sessions.

Heart disease and stroke remain the nation’s leading health threats to women but there is good news. These diseases are 80 percent preventable with education and lifestyle changes. Guests are invited to wear red, share their story of prevention or survival, and advocate for women’s heart and brain health.

"Women helping other women make a promise to take one step for heart health is the cornerstone of our effort this year. I hope that by starting more conversation about the importance of heart health, the women in our lives encourage their sisters, mothers, aunts, and best friends to take the first step toward a healthier heart.   As the mother of two young daughters, I’m committed to modeling and strengthening the message of heart health and taking simple steps to lower the risks associated with heart disease and stroke," said Cummings. "It's an honor to be the Chair of the 2017 Go Red for Women Campaign. I truly believe it is never too early to Cross Your Heart... and Start!”

Three local women will share their stories of survival at the event including Maddie Cascione from East Greenwich, Donna Daniels from Narragansett and Kristina Hill from Milton, Mass.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, contact the American Heart Association at Tami.Iavarone@heart.org, 228-2332 or visit www.snegoredluncheon.heart.org.