Jackie Sheffer, co-chair, 2022 Go Red for Women Campaign
Nicole Leonard, co-chair, 2022 Go Red for Women Campaign
Albany, NY – The Go Red for Women campaign has many facets: Wear Red Day in February; the Men Go Red for Women campaign; Circle of Red events; and the 12-week BetterU program that offered 10 women the chance to improve their heart health.
On Tuesday, Nov. 15, Jackie Sheffer, vice president, senior financial advisor, the Wagner-Sheffer Group at Merrill, and Nicole Leonard, wealth management advisor, first vice president, the Moloney-Leonard Group at Merrill, will wrap up their year of chairing the Go Red for Women campaign in the Capital Region at the Go Red for Women Luncheon, taking place at the Albany Capital Center in Albany from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The event includes a Festival of Red with health information and health screenings, and the popular Purse-Onality auction featuring donated handbags representing the personalities of local women and businesses. During lunch, survivor Christine Dixon will share her story, and the women of the BetterU, who have spent 12 weeks improving their heart health, will be introduced. The Men Go Red for Women will be recognized, and Theresa Petrone Butts will receive the Jane Golub Crystal Heart Award.
Sheffer first got involved with Go Red for Women when she joined the BetterU program in 2018.
“When I joined the BetterU in 2018, my numbers improved with consistent diet and exercise,” Sheffer said. “Staying healthy is always a struggle, but I know I have only failed if I stop trying.”
Sheffer is a member of the Circle of Red, and has co-chaired Men Go Red for Women with Leonard. She supports the BetterU women by joining and encouraging them at their weekly workouts.
Leonard honored her grandmother, who passed away when Leonard was 16, by being part of the Capital Region Heart Walk and Run since 2010. Her commitment to the Heart Association increased when her brother passed away after a heart attack at the age of 47.
“I realized just how prevalent heart disease is and I made it my mission to raise money every year for AHA to help fund research and to help educate people about the dangers of heart disease and stroke,” Leonard said. “My grandmother and brother are watching over me and I want to make them proud, so I will continue to partner with AHA, and we will continue to spread awareness in our local communities.”
Sheffer, originally from Nassau, NY, has been a wealth management advisor for 10 years. She and her husband Chuck live in Malta. She has an associate’s degree from Maria College, and is involved with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, where she volunteers every summer.
Leonard has been a financial advisor for 22 years. A native of North Salem, NY, she is a graduate of the University at Albany. She and her husband, Mike, live in Saratoga Springs. They have three children.
“We women need to tell our stories with our heads held high, regardless if they are good or not so good, so each of us out there knows she is not alone,” Sheffer said. The Go Red for Women Luncheon is a great place to do exactly that. I recommend that everyone attend.”
“The statistic that 1 in 3 women die of heart disease is staggering,” Leonard said. “The Go Red for Women Luncheon raises awareness about that, educates attendees and raises critical funds so the American Heart Association can continue to find ways to improve women’s heart health.”
For information or to be part of the Capital Region Go Red for Women Luncheon, visit CapitalRegionNYGoRedLuncheon.heart.org.