The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Kelly Elkins, Chief Operating Officer with MaineHealth, as the community volunteer chair of the 2025 Go Red for Women Luncheon. Go Red for Women is a worldwide initiative of the American Heart Association designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women locally, nationally, and globally.
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. Cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, taking the life of one in every three women.
“I am proud to chair the 2025 Go Red for Women Luncheon,” said Elkins. “This event features inspiration, education and community among women, and is a powerful and moving experience. Whether you’re a survivor, donor, volunteer or guest of a friend or your company, attending a Go Red for Women luncheon will not only be fun and fulfilling, but it just might also be the one lunch that saves your life or the life of someone you love.”
Elkins and her volunteer leadership team have set a goal to raise $635,000 to fight heart disease and stroke in Women. The team includes the following members: Katie Breggia, The Dunham Group; Ashley Deeb, Mainely Tubs; Ashley Gagnon, NBT Bank; Eric Jermyn, Cross Insurance; Denise McDonough, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield; Laura McHugh, Spinnaker Trust; Lindsay Zahradka Milne – Bernstein Shur; Matt Roy, The Standard; Joan Smith, Baker Newman Noyes; and Melanie Tinto, WEX.
“We are thrilled to have Kelly’s experience, conviction and passion help to drive Go Red for Women in Maine. Together, we know that we will have a positive impact on the lives of women in our community and the families that depend on them,” said Lindsay Colle, the Association’s Maine’s Go Red for Women Director.
Returning for a second year is the Women of Impact initiative. Women are nominated by their peers to participate. The nominees will recruit champions from their networks to form a fundraising team and have a direct impact on women’s health and the Go Red for Women vision of creating a passionate community dedicated to addressing health issues unique to women. The nominee whose team makes the largest impact in each market will be named the local Woman of Impact Award Winner.
Maine’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on March 27, 2025 at the Maine Go Red for Women Luncheon, sponsored nationally by CVS Health and locally by Cross Insurance, Dentons, MaineHealth, WEX. Media sponsors are Channel 8 WMTW, 101.9 POR and Mainebiz.
For more information, visit: www.Heart.org/MaineGoRed or email Lindsay.Colle@Heart.org.