The Cayman Heart Fund’s 2nd Annual Ruby Luncheon took place on Friday 10th March 2023 from 12:00pm – 3:30pm in the Ritz-Carlton Ballroom where guests gathered for the charity’s signature women’s event that took place during Honouring Women’s Month.
CHF Patron, H. E. The Governor Martyn Roper gave an opening address and was thanked by CHF Chairperson Maureen Cubbon for the years of support and patronage H. E. The Governor and Mrs Elizabeth Roper have given the charity during their tour in the Cayman Islands.
The Honourable Sabrina Turner, Minister for Health and Wellness, gave a welcoming speech that highlighted some of the key issues of inequity facing women when it comes to heart disease and stroke including:
- Heart Disease is the number one cause of death globally causing one in three of all deaths.
- Cardiovascular disease in women is understudied, underrecognized, undiagnosed, and under treated.
- Only 38% of participants in clinics studies and cardiovascular trials are
- While menopause does not cause cardiovascular disease, the approach to menopause marks the point in a woman’s life when the risk factors for CVD can be accelerated.
- The issues of inequity as it comes to cardiovascular care for women extend to emergency situations where women are less likely to receive bystander CPR because rescuers fear being accused of assault.
The keynote speaker was Charles Mattocks, who shared his journey, tips, and approach on overcoming Type II Diabetes. Charles an Award-Winning actor, director, producer, television host and health advocate whose priority for health first and saving lives does not get in his way of excelling in all areas of business. The nephew of the late great Bob Marley, Mattocks comes from a very high-profile family lineage so it’s no surprise that he is taking the healthcare world by storm. His work has been showcased with appearances on CNN, The Today Show, Dr. Oz, Fox News, Good Morning America, The Talk, The Martha Stewart Show and numerous media outlets worldwide.
Charles’ passion and personality are contagious and have skyrocketed him to unparalleled success with whatever he tackles. Saving lives of people suffering with chronic illness and inspiring them with his life changing message, he has become the premiere media expert on health and wellness. Charles entertains, educates, inspires, and heals millions with his ahead-of-the-curve creativity and dedication to excellence in television hosting, content creation, and dynamic advocacy.
Attendees of the event also included:
- Honourable Andre Ebanks, Minister for Financial Services & Commerce and Minister for Investment, Innovation & Social Development
- Honourable Bernie Bush, Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage
- Honourable Heather Bodden, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister Kenneth Bryan and Minister Andre Ebanks (Social Development)
Speaking about the success of the event CHF Chairperson Maureen Cubbon said “The aim of the Ruby Luncheon is to increase women’s cardiovascular health awareness as well as serve as a catalyst for change. Featuring inspiration, education, and community this event was about sharing heart health facts as well as being a charity fundraiser towards the lifesaving work of the Cayman Heart Fund.”
Guests at the event enjoyed a champagne reception courtesy of Tortuga and Laurent-Perrier and were entertained by singer Julia Shvitzin whose gorgeous voice featured “Heart” themed songs. Pop up shops from Goodness, Isy B Designs, One Heart Yoga & Apothecary, TABS Cayman, and The Pinks Ladies Volunteer Corps graced the foyer of the Ritz ballroom. One lucky raffle prize winner went home with the signature “Ruby” prize of a 14K rose gold pair of stud EFFY earrings with retail value USD $800.00.
The Cayman Heart Fund is delighted to have joined forces with Jessica Bodden and Bloom Consulting to host this fun and fabulous event that successfully raised more than KYD $35,000.00 for the CHF’s AED Program towards the donation of defibrillators in public spaces across the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Heart Fund has been supplying AEDs to the Cayman Islands community since 2009 and to date has placed over 350 AEDs in hotels, shops, and businesses including donating AEDs to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), marine units, schools, community halls, and gyms.
Commenting on the success of the event Ally Olarou, CHF Coordinator, said “During the event Charles’ expressed a desire to film a new series of his hit TV show “Reversed” in the Cayman Islands featuring heart disease. We look forward to working more with Charles and his production company Bella & Elle Media to bring awareness to this devasting condition that often robs people of their loved ones far too soon.”
The CHF would like to extend thanks to the following organisations for making this event such a success:
- Silver sponsors Davenport Development and Health City Cayman
- Table sponsors: NAU, Doctors Hospital, Bloom Consulting, Dan Peterson
The staff, Directors, and volunteers of the Cayman Heart Fund are dedicated to increasing public awareness of heart disease and stroke – still the biggest health issue in the Cayman Islands. The threat of CVD has never been more urgent and is intensified by age, sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and more. It’s estimated that 9 out of 10 people have at least one risk factor, such as high blood pressure, obesity, tobacco use, lack of physical activity, and diabetes.
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