Elegant ruby red dresses, crystal chandeliers, black tablecloths and a runway red carpet adjourned The Grand Venue.

Where students, facility, and alumni of Alpha Phi joined together for the Red Dress Gala; An event that celebrates and honors heart disease awareness and research.

Sponsors for the research and the event include Floyd Memorial Heart and Vascular Center, Kremers Urban Pharmaceuticals, and Green River Prop shop.

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Alexis Swearingen, marketing junior and vice president of marketing for Alpha Phi discussed what The Red Dress Gala signifies and other details about the event.

“It’s an awesome evening to dress up in nice dresses with family and friends for an amazing cause. The research for women’s heart disease money goes to Alpha Phi Foundation they fund our research,” Swearingen said. “The Red Dress Gala has been hosted at The Grand for the past two years. David’s Bridal and Blush Boutique donated the red runway dresses the ladies are wearing.”

Courtney Priddy, psychology freshman, discussed what Alpha Phi stands for and what the event does.

“We have the Red Dress Gala once a year for heart health. Alpha Phi stands for sisterhood, scholarship, and community service. We bring out the best in ourselves,” Priddy said.

Christine Mcoffrey, human resources sophomore,  discussed what The Red Dress Gala means to her and what Alpha Phi stands for.

“The Red Dress Gala is close to me because my grandma had open heart surgery. Alpha Phi stands for a variety of things we raise money for heart health. This is my second year with Alpha Phi I joined in 2013,” Mccoffrey said.

Guest speaker and heart disease survivor Joan Nelson discussed her experience with heart disease.

“It’s been one year since I’ve had heart disease now I’m in good health. I do yoga and normal exercise Advice id give to other people dealing with heart disease is to find out about their families history of disease in your family while they are young,” said Nelson.

Alpha Phi has a Spring Five K Walk event as well as the Red Dress Gala.

In addition to the Spring 5k Walk, there will be a Go Red For Women Luncheon Thursday, May 14, 2015. It’s located at the Kentucky International Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information about the Go For Red Luncheon visit

https://www.goredforwomen.org/