Another successful Olympic Medical Center Foundation Red, Set, Go! Heart luncheon saw the community raise $72,000 at this year’s event at the Vern Burton Community Center in Port Angeles on Feb. 22.

Presented by the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe, the event saw a crowd of 320 gather to contribute funds for new diagnostic treadmills at the OMC Heart Center.

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

Speakers at the event included local cardiologist Dr. Kara Urnes and Dr. Kira Long, a vascular surgeon from Swedish Medical Center.

The event also recognized people who have given survivor stories over the past 11 years of the event. Robin Tweter, who gave that story in 2008, spoke on behalf of the group, which included Vicki Quesnel, Betty Wendel, Lee Stanley, Kim Wakefield, Betsy Schulz and Ann Kennedy.

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.”

Said OMC Foundation Executive Director Bruce Skinner, “We are still receiving donations towards the purchase of the treadmills. People interested in contributing can contact our office at 360-417-7144.”