After being hosted virtually last year, the Bothwell Foundation’s third annual Wear Red for Women luncheon and auction is returning as an in-person event and will be hosted from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25 at the Foundry in downtown Sedalia.
Lauren Thiel-Payne, Bothwell Foundation executive director, said that to ensure the health and safety of all guests and event staff, COVID-19 testing kits will be made available to each attendee.
“We want to be responsible and make sure people are healthy before they decide to attend the luncheon,” she said. “The 10-minute rapid tests have been provided by Katy Trail Community Health. We appreciate their generosity in providing the tests to us, and we encourage our guests to use them as close to the event time as possible.”
The annual event raises funds to place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in places where people work, learn, play or pray around Sedalia and Pettis County.
An AED is a small, lightweight device that allows first responders and individuals to treat sudden cardiac arrest by delivering a shock to the victim’s chest, ideally restarting their heart. The 2020 event raised $30,000, enough to purchase 19 AEDs for public locations, and the 2021 virtual events raised enough funds to purchase an additional 12 devices. Thiel-Payne said there are requests for 20 AEDs on this year’s wish list.
“We have had a lot of positive responses from our two previous events and others in the community have reached out to request devices in their locations,” she said. “It’s really gratifying to know we are raising funds for a local cause that could help save someone’s life.”
As in the previous two years, the luncheon will feature a heart-healthy meal from Lamy’s No. 5 Bistro, a presentation about stress and heart health by Dr. Andra Ferguson, director of State Fair Community College’s Dental Hygiene program, and an online/mobile auction, complete with a variety of red purses. New to the auction are 30 red-themed silk scarves custom-made by State Fair Community College art students.
“We wanted to add some unique auction items this year, and we worked with Vicki Weaver, curator of education at the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art at SFCC and Don Luper, SFCC art instructor on the idea,’ Thiel-Payne said. “The students had a great time making the one-of-kind creations, and they are all beautiful.”
The foundation is again partnering with Bothwell Regional Health Center and Missouri Heart Center to present the event. Cochairs are Lori Wightman, Bothwell CEO, and Dianne Simon, Thompson Hills Investment Corporation vice president.
Attendance options include single tickets for $25, tables of six for $150 or free virtual tickets. Lunch options include a choice of a grilled chicken or salmon salad and dessert.
“The virtual ticket is free and includes a link to the purse and scarf auction,” Thiel-Payne said. “It’s a great way for people who feel safer at home or for someone who doesn’t live in the area to still participate and support the event.”
People should register by Feb. 18 to reserve lunch and by Feb. 24 to receive the link in time for the event.
Other event sponsors are Katy Trail Community Health, Sedalia Parks and Recreation, AssuredPartners, Premier Realty Group, APS Solutions, Gateway Mortgage, US Bank, Chad J. Wimer, DDS, Nucor, Flat Branch Home Loans, Wilson Toellner CPA, Rick Ball Ford Lincoln, Central Bank of Sedalia, Bodyworks Day Spa, RAKS Escape Room, Glam Shack, Shabby 2 Chic Boutique, Jessica Grenadas, Thompson Hills Shopping Center, and Landmann Title Company.
To reserve tickets, visit www.brhc.org/wear-red. People or businesses interested in sponsoring a purse, the event or donating to the foundation can go online or contact Thiel-Payne at 660-829-7786 or lthiel@brhc.org.
