This year marks the fifth anniversary of “National Wear Red Day.”

The National Institute of Health and the American Heart Association are part of a national campaign aimed at warning women about heart disease – the #1 killer of women. The campaign has adopted the Red Dress as its symbol, serving as a red alert to convey the message that “Heart Disease Doesn’t Care What You Wear,” and to change the perception that it is only a man’s issue.

As part of the campaign, each year on the first Friday in February, a Red Dress Fashion Show has been hosted in conjunction with the Federal Government and the Fashion Industry. Top designers and models show their support by participating in this event at the kickoff of New York’s Fashion Week under the Bryant Park Tents.

In celebration of National Wear Red Day, a Red Dress Breakfast Event was held at the home of Lakewood resident Elizabeth Dauber. All guests attending wore red vintage dresses or recycled ones purchased from local resale or consignment shops.

Each dress had an interesting story behind it. One worn by Shellie Sedlak came all the way from China. There was also a family trio, Jill Vanuch, her daughter-in-law Tracie Vanuch and granddaughter Olivia Vanuch. Tracie’s dress was one that she had worn to a high school formal when she was 15 years old.

Cindy Helbig found a sweet red velvet cocktail dress from Designer Consigner, while Eleanor Detke and Elizabeth Dauber found designer dresses from Unique Thrift, each costing $3.50. Bobbie Hendick wore a dress that her sister had given her when she was in college and Nancy Lukens called her red outfit “one that is never in style, but always in style!” Anita Braves Fuller chose to coordinate her outfit with a matching red hat.

Susan Dauber, daughter of the hostess, was unable to attend from New York City where she works as a designer, but a red dress that she designed in high school was on display.

A “heart smart” breakfast was served consisting of ruby red mimosas, fresh fruit, blueberry oat bran muffins, breakfast egg casserole and chocolate dipped strawberries.

Cheryl Lazroff handed out information about heart disease and how to prevent it, along with red dress pins courtesy of the National Institute of Health and the American Heart Association. Everyone left well informed about the #1 killer and what they need to do to control their risk factors.

The group hopes to make the Red Dress Breakfast an annual event.