The Stars Stepped Out in Red for Heart Health Awareness at Go Red for Women
February is the season of love, with decorations around every corner. But the American Heart Association has another type of heart in mind. The organization is raising awareness of the importance of heart health. Top stars stepped out in their best, creating a sea of red, glitz and glamor at the annual Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Concert at Lincoln Jazz Center.
(Photo credit: Jae Marie)
This year's event celebrated 20 years of going red to shine a spotlight on the number one cause of death for women in the country—cardiovascular disease. Your favorite celebrities walked in the evening's fashion show, donning some top designers on the runway to kick off American Heart Month. From Academy Award winner and Dancing with the Stars alum Mira Sorvino in Dolce & Gabbana to Netflix's Orange is the New Black, Emmy-winning Samira Wiley in Le Thanh Hoa and Ginny & Georgia's Brianne Howey in Reem Acra, the lineup was packed.
A Chat with Richa
We spoke with the star of Netflix hit Never Have I Ever, Richa Moorjani, who wore an Oscar de la Renta floor-length dress on the pre-show red carpet.
Sweety High: How would you describe the importance of health education from such a young age?
Richa Moorjani: To me, it's probably the most important thing that you can learn. I don't know why there's not more education about health. Mental health, physical health, emotional health. Everything is so connected, and I wish that schools and the whole education system put more of an emphasis on it because that's the most important thing in life.
Richa has been very vocal and open about her health journey, so we asked if there was anything she wishes she knew earlier in life. "Don't eat so much processed food," she told Sweety High.
Also read about: 7 Perfectly Pink Eyeshadow Palettes for Your 2024 Valentine's Day Look
The Big Show
Inside, the show kicked off with Emmy award winner Sherri Shepherd bringing laughs and a heartfelt story about her own health journey. Grammy-nominated country star Mickey Guyton also graced the stage. She started the night on the pre-show carpet in a Sergio Hudson suit before changing into a thigh-high split gown from Monetre for a few hits.
Also read about: 10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of January 26, 2024
Also on the runway was actress and comedian Yvonne Orji, who rocked a bob cut wearing Jovana Louis. Model and star of FX's Pose, Dominique Jackson, served looks in a fringe macrame low-plunging dress by Project Runway Season 19 runner-up Coral Castillo. Miss America Madison Marsh, who made headlines for being the first active duty Air Force member to take home the title, wore a Jovani gown, plus her crown and sash. She has also spoken out on the importance of a healthy heart.
Sherri later returned to the runway, walking to Usher's "Bad Girl" in Harbison, elbow-length gloves and gold pumps, bringing up NFL star Damar Hamlin from the audience as a dance partner. Damar shocked the world in January 2023 when he collapsed mid-game, suffering from cardiac arrest. He's since returned to the field and too has been vocal about heart health, expressing the importance that everyone "knows the signs and symptoms and knows the steps to perform CPR." His charity, The Chasing M's Foundation, pushes for initiatives like the Access to AED's Act for funding and cardiac equipment at schools. Damar was joined by his younger brother, Damir, to welcome Demi Lovato to the stage.
Demi, wearing a Michael NGO suit, kicked off a high-energy set backed by a three-person band with "Confident," followed by other hits including "Neon Lights," "No Promises," "Give Your Heart a Break," Tell Me You Love Me," a revamped version of "Sorry Not Sorry" and "Heart Attack," what she called a reminder of "just how strong the mind, heart and body connection is." She walked through the audience, putting a few attendees on the mic to sing along. The entire celebrity lineup joined on stage as she ended with "Cool for the Summer."
So, what advice did we learn about heart health during the evening? Dr. Mike Varshavski expressed the importance of getting your hours of sleep. He also shared that chest compressions save lives. Real Housewives of Orange County star Heather Dubrow was in attendance with her husband, Dr. Terry Dubrow. She urged the audience not to ignore the symptoms.
Want to learn more about heart health? Visit www.heart.org for stats, CPR training, ways to get involved and other resources—and be sure to wish the American Heart Association a happy 100th birthday this June.
Want more of your favorite celebs on the red carpet? Click HERE to check out our favorite moments from the Anyone But You red carpet.