NEW ORLEANS – During their recent summertime celebration of women, FestiGals 2019 impacted the lives of thousands of local women suffering from heart disease, by raising $28,468 for the New Orleans Chapter of the American Heart Association. Details were shared in a press release.
The ninth annual FestiGals, which took place from June 21 to June 23, featured 25 all-female marching krewes and vibrant women who sashayed through the French Quarter second-line style in the “Step Up Parade” Saturday night, to raise funds and awareness that heart disease is the number one killer of women.
“We were thrilled to have FestiGals partner with our Go Red for Women movement and appreciate all the work of the krewes for raising funds to support such an important cause,” said Brittany Levy Gay, executive director of the Greater New Orleans Chapter of the American Heart Association.
Gay explained that the FestiGals-generated funds will go toward research and educational programs in the New Orleans area focused on women and their particular risks for cardiovascular diseases.
“Research institutions such as LSU Health Sciences Center and Tulane Health Sciences Center receive funding from the American Heart Association to further investigate the causes and treatment for cardiovascular diseases and stroke,” she added.
FestiGals founder Diane Lyons said she was excited about this year’s event and was honored to work with FestiGals attendees and members of women’s marching krewes who stepped up to support efforts to end a disease that kills one in three women.
“Knowing that so many people have joined us to raise funds through their participation in FestiGals is inspiring,” said Lyons. “We’re still accepting donations and will continue to raise funds for this important cause throughout the year.”
FestiGals was headquartered at the Jung Hotel and Residences and included the Celebrating Women’s Conference with headliners Mignon Francois and Amanda Shaw, the “Hats Off” Awards Luncheon honoring 15 exceptional women, Festi-Talks, the Step Up Second Line Parade, uniquely New Orleans experiences, and an eye-popping Drag Queen Brunch. Approximately 2,000 women participated in the weekend’s events that showcased New Orleans and supported FestiGals’ mission to “inspire, connect and celebrate women while supporting causes important to their well-being.”