The Olympic Medical Center Foundation’s Red, Set, Go! Heart Luncheon on Feb. 23 raised a record $77,000, an increase of 26 percent from last year’s event.

Presented by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, the event drew 320 attendees — an increase of 21 percent over 2017’s record attendance.

Proceeds from the event go toward the purchase of a nuclear imaging camera for cardiac stress testing.

“Once again, we were able to raise money for something that will save lives,” event chair Karen Rogers said.

The new camera will: reduce the amount of time that a patient has to be in an uncomfortable position from 30 minutes to about 6-10 minutes; reduce the amount of radiation exposure, and provide improved imaging with enhanced technology.

Speakers at the event included local cardiologist Dr. Kara Urnes, Dr. Debleena Dutt of Swedish Medical Center, and Ann Kennedy, who delivered the annual heart disease “survivor” story.

The educational lunch promotes that the key to eradicating heart disease is education.

“The purpose of our event is to inspire women to learn how to improve their heart health,” Rogers said. “Many women are surprised to learn that heart disease is the number one killer of women.”

“We are still receiving donations towards the purchase of the camera,” Foundation Executive Director Bruce Skinner said.

Those interested in contributing are asked to call the foundation office at 360-417-7144.