Betty Tharp and her family will be honored at the Feb. 6 Go Red luncheon. (photo/lambertphoto.com)

The American Heart Association is preparing a lunch that will feed women information about the dangers of heart disease and stroke and launch the Go Red For Women Campaign. The effort will raise awareness that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. The lunch is Feb. 6 at Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. Exhibit and vendor booths open at 10 a.m.

Attendees can learn about the risk factors and how to control them, as well as the warning signs of heart disease and stroke. Emphasis will be placed on the generational connection to health — mothers, daughters, grandmothers and other family members will be encouraged to attend together. The event also will focus on the vitality and energy of women.

Organizers say the target audience is women who have a desire to make a difference and become advocates for women’s health initiatives. Part of a nationwide Go Red campaign rollout, the San Diego lunch is expected to draw 500 guests and numerous corporate participants.

Cardiovascular disease claims more women’s lives than the next seven causes of death combined — nearly 500,000 a year — and is mostly preventable.

Jackie Townsend, president and CEO of Townsend Inc., is the event chair. Betty Tharp and her family will be honored by the San Diego association.

Macy’s and Pfizer are national sponsors of the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women campaign. The campaign also is funded by an educational grant from the PacifiCare Foundation.

Cost is $100 per ticket. Call Bill Navrides at (619) 497-5746 or mail a check to the American Heart Association, 3640 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103.