Hundreds of women participated Friday afternoon in the first-ever Go Red for Women Luncheon in Gainesville.
The event was designed to raise money and awareness for the Hall County chapter of the American Heart Association. Regional Director Julie Ann Hamilton said the event took the place of a traditional evening gala, and she anticipates the luncheon will become an annual event.
Even though the dollar amount was still being tallied Friday afternoon, Hamilton estimated the Go Red for Women luncheon pulled in more than $65,000 for heart health awareness projects.
The event, which featured original red dress artwork by local celebrities, was held at the Banquet Hall of First Baptist Church.
All photos in the gallery are by AccessWDUN's David Cook.
Attendees had a chance to get blood pressure checks as part of the wellness expo portion of the Go Red event.
Local artists Frank Norton, Jr. and Monica Kaufman Pearson donated red dress originals for a live auction.
Those who made financial donations at the Go Red for Women luncheon sport red boas.
First lady Sandra Deal (right) was the keynote speaker for the first ever Go Red for Women Wellness Expo & Luncheon in Hall County.
A larger-than-life red dress provided the backdrop for the 2016 Go Red event.
Hundreds of women attended the first-ever Go Red event for the Hall County Chapter of the American Heart Association.
A make-up artist from Belk of Gainesville made sure every woman had a little touch of red to wear at the Friday luncheon.
The Hall County Chapter of the American Heart Association raised money via silent auction at the Go Red event.
Go Red attendees gathered at the Banquet Hall of First Baptist Church for a wellness expo and luncheon.
2016 Go Red for Women Chair Mimi Collins
CPR education is a vital part of the American Heart Association's mission.
Most women at the first-ever Go Red event made sure they were decked out in the event's signature color.
Julie Ann Hamilton (right) is the regional director of the Hall County chapter of the American Heart Association.
Local artist Rosemary Dodd created this original piece of art for the 2016 Go Red event.
Heart surgery and stroke survivor Mandy Couch, 35, shares her experiences with Go Red luncheon attendees.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/2/368025/photo-gallery-go-red-luncheon-teaches-women-the-value-of-heart-heath