Cynthia Smoot
More Than 600 Supporters Gathered At The Fairmont Hotel Dallas For A Parisian-Inspired “Hearts In Bloom” Celebration That Fused Fashion, Advocacy, And Lifesaving Action
By Cynthia Smoot Photography by See Pink, Inc.
THE SCENE: North Texans stepped into a Parisian-inspired afternoon of fashion, florals, and philanthropy at the American Heart Association’s 2026 Dallas Go Red for Women Luncheon. This year’s vibrant ‘Hearts in Bloom’ experience created a beautiful and uplifting atmosphere that celebrated women’s heart health and the community leaders who champion it.
The event unfolded in a chic French café- inspired setting, filled with lush florals, soft Parisian décor, and bold red accents, transforming the ballroom into an immersive Hearts in Bloom experience. Guests arrived in striking red dresses, suits, and accessories, creating a vibrant sea of color. Before the luncheon program began, guests enjoyed Studio Calme, a serene pre‑event activation offering gentle chair‑yoga sessions. Throughout the venue, guests explored Le Bloom Bar, a floral design studio where they crafted custom bouquets, a beauty touch-up bar offering hair and makeup enhancements, and a live fashion sketch artist capturing custom couture-style illustrations.
A meaningful Know Your Family History stop encouraged guests to reflect on their roots, with the reminder that their hearts bloom brighter when they know their history. Nearby, an emotional Tribute Wall invited attendees to honor those they “Go Red” for, while a lively Silent Auction generated support for the future of women’s heart health. Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, Research Goes Red engagements, and Heart Powered advocacy activations connected guests directly with the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association. Elegant photo moments and social vignettes were woven throughout the space, creating a fully immersive experience from start to finish.
THE VIBE: Co-chairs Paola Arbour, chief information officer for Tenet Healthcare, and Sandi Karrmann, community philanthropist and retired chief human resources officer at Kimberly-Clark, emphasized how urgent and personal this movement remains for women across North Texas. “Cardiovascular disease is still the number one killer of women, and events like this play an essential role in educating our community so that women understand their risks and how to reduce them,” said Arbour. Karrmann added, “Our hope today is that you leave inspired to be an agent of change for women’s heart health and to use your voice to advocate for lifesaving efforts. Paola and I are grateful for your presence and commitment. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our loved ones and countless others.” Their messages echoed the heart of the movement: when it comes to protecting women’s health, Red Means Go! — Take action, know your numbers, learn CPR, and prioritize your well-being.
The energy in the room continued with emcees Kristin Diaz, Anchor for NewsRadio 1080 KRLD, and Sam Gannon, Sports Co‑Host with FOX 4 News. The luncheon then honored Stacy Nahas as the 2026 Sandi Haddock Community Impact Honoree. Nahas, a longtime supporter of the American Heart Association, a former partner at KPMG, and past Dallas Go Red for Women Chair, has championed women’s cardiovascular health through her leadership, philanthropy, and service. Her dedication reflects the spirit and purpose of the award, as well as the lasting impact she continues to make.
As the room settled, the program moved from festive moments to mission‑focused inspiration. Keynote speaker Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a board-certified OB/GYN and author of Generation M, the chart-topping book redefining women’s health, offered compelling insights into prevention, early detection, and the importance of empowering women through accurate, accessible health information.
Notable guests lending their support included Sandi Karrmann, Paola Arbour, Beth Corl, Tom Greco, along with community leaders Regina Bruce, Susan Wetzel, Stacy Nahas, Doreen Griffith, Stacy Murray, and Darlene Ellison. Also in attendance were survivor Linda Potthoff, keynote speaker Dr. Jessica Shepherd, global influencer and women’s heart health advocate Dr. Shanta Quilette Develle Carter Williams, Dr. Carla Russo, Shannon Freeze, Krista Farber Weinstein, Cristal Retana Lule, and Gabrielle “Gabe” Madison.
In addition to national sponsor CVS Health, the Dallas Go Red for Women movement is supported locally by CMC, Kimberly-Clark, and Texas Health. So far, the 2026 campaign has raised $1.6 million, and support continues to grow.
As excitement from this year’s luncheon continues to grow, planning is already underway for the 2027 Dallas Go Red for Women Luncheon. Early committed sponsors include Baylor Scott and White: The Heart Hospital, Forvis Mazars, FleetPride, Haynes Boone, JCPenney, Kimberly-Clark, Texas Health, Vaco, and Encompass Health. The 2027 campaign is gaining strong enthusiasm to continue championing women’s heart health with the announcement of Chief Human Resources Officer Beth Corl, at FleetPride, as the 2027 Chair.
THE NON-PROFIT: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, yet awareness and representation in research remain critically low. Through the Go Red for Women® movement, the American Heart Association continues to advance education, advocacy, and lifesaving research that support women at every age and stage of life. This year’s Dallas initiative was celebrated at the Fairmont Hotel with a luncheon. The American Heart Association looks forward to continuing this important work in partnership with the North Texas community. For more information about the Dallas campaign or to get involved, visit www.Heart.org/DallasGoRed
10 Reasons The 2026 Dallas Go Red For Women Luncheon Was A Heartfelt Triumph
- More Than 600 North Texans United For A Cause
Community leaders, philanthropists, survivors, and advocates gathered in a sea of red to champion women’s cardiovascular health. - A Stunning ‘Hearts In Bloom’ Parisian Experience
The ballroom transformed into a chic French café-inspired setting filled with florals, couture flair, and immersive activations. - A Powerful Mission Led By The American Heart Association
Through the Go Red for Women® movement, the organization continues to advance education, advocacy, and research focused on women’s heart health. - $1.6 Million Raised… And Growing
The 2026 Dallas campaign has already generated $1.6 million to support lifesaving research and community outreach across North Texas. - Hands-On Health Activations That Save Lives
Guests participated in Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, Research Goes Red engagements, advocacy opportunities, and a Know Your Family History station. - Tributes That Touched The Heart
An emotional Tribute Wall allowed attendees to honor loved ones while reinforcing the urgency of cardiovascular awareness. - Leadership That Inspires Action
Co-chairs Paola Arbour and Sandi Karrmann emphasized that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women, and that education and advocacy are critical. - A Celebrated Community Impact Honoree
Stacy Nahas was recognized as the 2026 Sandi Haddock Community Impact Honoree for her longstanding leadership and philanthropic dedication. - Expert Insight From A Nationally Recognized Voice
Keynote speaker Dr. Jessica Shepherd delivered compelling guidance on prevention, early detection, and empowering women with accurate health information. - Momentum Already Building For 2027
With Beth Corl of FleetPride announced as the 2027 Chair and major sponsors already committed, Dallas’ Go Red for Women movement shows no signs of slowing down.
