The spread of the COVID-19 virus has affected countless events over the last 11 months in many ways including cancellations, postponements and “pivots” to reimagined activities. But not even a pandemic can get in the way of the Bothwell Foundation’s Wear Red for Women luncheon, which is committed to raising funds to place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) everywhere people work, learn, play or pray in Sedalia.
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. This is the second year for the Wear Red luncheon. Last year’s event raised $30,000, enough to purchase 19 AEDs for public locations in and around the community.
This year’s event on Feb. 26 is pivoting to a virtual platform and will feature a to-go heart-healthy lunch from Ivory Grille, an online presentation about women's heart health, an online/mobile auction, complete with a variety of red purses, and more.
“While we won’t have a sea of women dressed in red in person this year, the goals of the event remain the same,” said Lauren Thiel-Payne, Bothwell Foundation executive director. “We want to raise money to purchase more AEDs, and we want to increase awareness of heart disease in women.”
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.
Three ticket options are available and include a free virtual ticket, a virtual ticket with lunch, and a virtual ticket with lunch and a mini lipstick-sized purse.
“The virtual ticket is free and includes a link to the program and purse auction,” Thiel-Payne said. “A virtual ticket with lunch is $20 and includes the link, as well as a choice of a grilled chicken or salmon salad and dessert from Ivory Grille. The virtual ticket with lunch and mini purse includes the link, lunch, and a mini purse for $40. The mini purse is valued at least $20 and each will have a one in five chance of winning an item or prize worth at least $50.”
Thiel-Payne noted people should register by Feb. 19 to reserve lunch and by Feb. 25 to receive the link in time for the event.
“On Friday, Feb. 26, ticket holders will be able to view the purses and purchase additional mini purses in person from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and pick up their lunches curbside at Ivory Grille,” she said. “The online presentation and auction will begin at 12:15 p.m.”
Other event sponsors are Tenth & Thompson Car Wash, Katy Trail Community Health, Premier Realty Group, Sedalia Parks & Recreation, Callis, Central Bank of Sedalia, and Parkhurst Manufacturing.
To reserve tickets, visit www.brhc.org/2021wearred. People or businesses interested in sponsoring one of the purses in the online auction or donating can go online or contact Thiel-Payne at 660-829-7786 or lthiel@brhc.org.
