The Olympic Medical Center Foundation’s annual Red, Set, Go! Heart Luncheon set another fundraising record on Feb. 24.

Presented by the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe, the event raised $132,000, exceeding last year’s record breaking total by $21,000.

Proceeds will be used to fund a cardiology software package for two new state of the art CT scan machines that also have been purchased for OMC by the Foundation. For the first time, OMC Foundation representatives noted, the equipment will be fast enough to scan the heart, as the procedure must be conducted in between beats of this vital organ.

This will save patients from having to travel out of the area to undergo this test and will provide for improved imaging.

“We were able to raise money for something that will save lives,” OMC Foundation executive director Bruce Skinner said.

“Once again, people in this community were extremely generous during these challenging times.”

Speakers at the event included local cardiologist Dr. Kara Urnes and Dr. Iulia Tulai from Swedish Medical Center. Mary Hebert, a member of the Port Angeles School Board and the OMC Foundation Executive committee, spoke on “My Journey with Atrial Fibrillation,” while Trilby Hainstock, a 1992 Port Angeles High School graduate and an accomplished Seattle artist, spoke on how creating art can improve mental health.

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. Many women are surprised to learn that heart disease is the number one killer of women,” event chair Karen Rogers said.

“We are still receiving donations,” Skinner said.

Those interested in contributing can contact the OMC Foundation office at 360-417-7144.