The Olympic Medical Center Foundation’s Red, Set, Go! Heart Luncheon raised a record $94,000 on Feb. 26, exceeding last year’s record breaking total by $18,000.

Monies from the annual fundraiser, presented this year by the Jamestown S’Klallam, will be used to fund EKG machines at the OMC Heart Center, OMC representatives said.

“We were able to raise money for something that will save lives,” event chair Karen Rogers said. “Once again, people in this community were extremely generous during these challenging times.”

OMC Foundation Executive Director Bruce Skinner said, “When many people in the U.S. started doing virtual fundraisers almost a year ago, never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d be breaking records. Sequim, Joyce and Port Angeles are amazing.”

Speakers at the event included local cardiologist Dr. Kara Urnes, and Dr. Dilusha William from Swedish Medical Center.

Sue Priest, from Port Angeles presented the survivor story.

“Each year attendees look forward to learning from women like Sue who have been impacted by their heart health, Skinner said. “It is through their stories that we can better support our family and friends.”

Dr. Jan Thatcher Adams, a former emergency room physician and hospitalist at OMC, also spoke about her new book, “The Beating Heart of Healing.” Each event attendee received an autographed copy.

The educational lunch promotes that the key to eradicating heart disease is education, OMC representatives said.

“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.”

Skinner said OMC is still receiving donations towards the purchase of the EKG machine. People interested in contributing can contact the OMC Foundation office at 360-417-7144.