Yesterday, I volunteered at the Go Red For Women luncheon, where I set up a small portrait studio and photographed the atendees donning red hats, feather boas… and lots of attitude. The idea was for each woman to fill out a card, promising herself something importrant (like to move more and sit less, avoid M&M’s for breakfast, etc) and then get their portrait taken. In a couple of weeks, the women will all receive their cards and portraits in the mail as a reminder to keep their promises. (This was sponsored by North Country Federal Credit Union).
I also raffled off a pet portrait sitting AND a $25 gift card from the wonderful Kelly Duteau, owner of Paw Bella Pet Boutique in Burlington. The winner was drawn at the end of lunch (in front of everyone, just to keep it honest) and it was Lisa Horan, general manager of CL Management Services. She has two Australian Sheep Dogs (?) and is so psyched!
It was a fabulous day and I met so many amazing women who were all there for the same reason: to be empowered with the knowledge and tools to reduce their risks for heart disease and stroke.
The luncheon featured educational breakout sessions, a silent auction, exhibits, comedian Diana Jordan, and a heart-healthy lunch. The inspiring and generous Kimberly DuBrul was chairperson, who must be cloning herself because she is so involved with so many organizations!
I have to give special recognition to a few folks: Fabulous fellow photographer Cyndi Freeman, who shot candids throughout the day; Videographer Marion Dane Abrams, who created a heartfelt and inspiring video about heart and liver recipient Nancy Donnelly (shown during lunch), Laura Cheney and the folks at Flashbags for the gorgeous table centerpieces, and my dear friend Christine Albrecht, who volunteered to assist me all day. Thank you, Christine!
OK… so now, here are the Remarkable, radiant, ravishing RED women of Burlington:
And then there was lunch!
Comedian Diana Jordan entertains the crowd after lunch. She was nominated by the American Comedy Awards as one of the Top Five Female Comedians in the Country and apparently, Oprah Winfrey selected her as “one of the funniest people on the planet!”:
Until next year, Go Red, Go healthy, and go with heart!
If you want to see all photos from the event, please click HERE and type in the passcode: red: All proceeds from photo orders benefit the American Heart Association! (also, I will be posting an album soon on my Facebook page with all of the studio portraits so folks can use them for profile pics and help contnue the Go Red message! make sure you “friend” me!)
