If you follow us on Instagram, you probably already know that we’re working with Go Red For Women and that we spent a few days in New York last week.
Our mission in working with Go Red For Women is simple … help raise awareness that heart disease is the leading killer of women in the United States, and that the vast majority of cases are preventable. That’s a tough message NOT to get behind. Especially for someone raising a daughter …
Our trip was spectacular in every way, but the event we were there to be a part of, the Red Dress Collection, was an experience we’ll always cherish. The Red Dress Collection is a fashion show that takes place as part of the kickoff for New York Fashion Week in February, and features celebrities walking the runway in, you guessed it, red dresses. But the event is SO much more than just a runway show.
Mayhem’s role in the event was absolutely perfect for her! She was part of the backstage and red carpet event and was treated just like any of the other talent who was volunteering their time to this amazing cause. Upon our arrival backstage at Lincoln Center, Mayhem was checked in, and given a Go Red robe to wear backstage for hair and makeup, just like the other women. It was pretty much priceless to watch her be the only one wearing a robe with a train 😉
Once she was dressed in her own red dress, we made our way over to the little Mayhem “stage” where two mannequins were dressed in some of our paper dresses. It’s where the Go Red Mayhem game was set to take place, and Mayhem’s job was to play the role of game show host. Contestants had one minute to pull sparkly red hearts from a fishbowl and answer the questions/do the dare printed on the backside of the heart. Whoever was able to complete the most in one minute would be crowned the Queen of Hearts.
And it was AWESOME!
While the backstage area was buzzing with small talk, picture taking, interviews, and general star-struckedness (add that to the dictionary, would ya), the Go Red Mayhem game easily became the most engaging place to be. It was FUN. And everyone from adults to kids (VIP guests), guests to executives to celebrities all came to play.
It was the perfect way to engage a five-year-old in an event. And that seemed to be one of the messages the entire team wanted to convey. There’s an importance in having women of ALL ages supporting and educating/being educated on heart health. It was beautiful to see women ranging in age from Mayhem to Barbara Eden all volunteering to lend a hand and their voices to tackle this issue together.
We got to spend some time chatting with executives from Go Red For Women, the American Heart Association and Macy’s (presenting sponsor) and everyone was so passionate about empowering women to know more about heart disease. The energy in that backstage area was truly infectious. In a very good way 🙂
Mayhem also spent a few minutes on the red carpet with Laura Bell Bundy as part of the live stream event, and speaking purely from a gushing mom point of view, I couldn’t have been more proud. I would’ve been shaking in my boots, but she handled herself like a five-year-old pro.
After that, it was show time. Watching the women having a blast strutting their stuff on the runway to a more than packed house, was too much fun. And all too soon, it was over.
The backstage area soon became an flurry of hugs, high fives and goodbyes. But if there’s one impression that’s lasting in my mind, it’s that seeing all of these women come together and use their influence to spread awareness for heart disease in women, shows how truly big their hearts are.
I can’t begin to explain how honored we were to take part in this event and how much we believe in the cause. We encourage each and every one of you to visit Go Red For Women to learn more about the symptoms of heart disease in women (it’s different than men). It may very well save your life, or that of someone you love <3.
Oh, and the Queen of Hearts was indeed crowned:
And she couldn’t have been more deserving as she made Mayhem laugh herself silly.
Angie…I will admit to tearing up as I read this, not simply because the experience itself was clearly so magical or because it has been such an incredible joy to watch you and Mayhem on this journey from the beginning, but because it is so beautiful to witness what a true and lovely example YOU are as a mother for your daughter. As stunning as Mayhem is, as beautiful and bold as she is in each of these moments, I hope that you can see you are teaching her by example – you are raising her to be a leader, a fighter for all that is good and strong in the world. You are teaching her to use her imagination, to smile, to value inquisitiveness and creativity, and she will ALWAYS be grateful to you for being the support you have been and putting her in a position to succeed. I’m as proud of you as I am of her. I will continue to watch and cheer from the sidelines. There is so much more to come for both of you. xoxo
Danielle, you are too kind! Thank you so much for what you see … it makes me tear up to read your comments. It’s been an incredibly wild year and we’ve taken some big steps together, holding each other’s hands along the way. But what you don’t often see is that Dad is right there with us, being our biggest cheerleader and greatest support. We’ve had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and it’s been amazing to see how much our world has opened up when we’ve stepped beyond our comfort zone. I see how much you adore, respect and completely support those beautiful kids of yours, and it’s an inspiration. Thank you for always sharing such positivity … you are such a light!!! xoxo
OH MY GOODNESS!!!! What a night and wow!!! Your little Mayhem is a pro and you should be the proudest gushing mama in the whole world!!! What beautiful lessons Mayhem is learning about life and she’s having so much fun while doing it!!!!
Thank you so much! And at five years old, we definitely believe that encouraging good lessons while having fun is the way to go. And this was a great way to do it 🙂
Mayhem could not be any cuter if she tried. I love following your Instagram account. Brings a smile to my face every time you post a new picture. I have to say though, I am totally jealous that she got to meet Jeannie from I Dream of Jeannie. I know I am dating myself, but I LOVED that show. I would love to see a paper version of Barbara’s costume from that show. Keep the photos coming!
Thanks so much Liz! And I was a bit starstruck with Jeannie myself 😉 Truly though, I was completely impressed at all of the women who participated and volunteered their time to support Go Red For Women, it was such an impressive, heart warming event!
Kudos to you guys for supporting such an important cause and kudos to Go Red for engaging a 5-year-old in age-appropriate activities! Love every single thing about this post and event (and the three of you!).
Awwww, thank YOU! And you’re exactly right about the age-appropriate activities, it was perfect for Mayhem. I was so happy when so many of the executives came up and thanked us for allowing Mayhem to be involved. They’re so passionate about having awareness at ALL age levels and about encouraging kids to be healthy and take care of their hearts. This campaign is SO much more than a fashion show and we are thrilled to be able to offer our support 🙂
Great cause, adorable little girl, amazing mom. Kudos to you and Mayhem.
Thank you thank you thank you, Carolina!!! 🙂
I am smiling ear to ear. I am so happy you could be a part of this great cause. What a charmed life Mayhem leads–and you mom, get to ride on her coat tails. ; ) Seriously, what wonderful experiences Mayhem has had. I hope she is able to recall many of them when she is older! I remember about two things from my young years! Luckily, she will have it all documented. Couldn’t be happier for a more talented, creative, sweet girl, and her very supportive, brilliant mother(and dad). 🙂
Thank you so much! We talk about gratitude a LOT around our house and we don’t take these experiences for granted 🙂
What an amazing adventure that supported such an important cause. I’m so glad Mayhem is having fun and you both get to experience this together. Every moment with our kids is precious, but these special moments that we never saw coming make those moments stand out all the more clearly. I can’t wait to see what you all get up to next!
Thanks so much Keryn! You’re absolutely right about the moments that we never saw coming … and we’re extremely grateful for each an every adventure that has come our way. Supporting such an awesome cause is something we were excited to be a part of and we really hope it sets a good foundation for Mayhem in the responsibility that we all have to give when and where we can.
What an unbelievable opportunity, and what a wonderful cause for little Mayhem to be a part of at such a young age. I loved the photos! Keep these posts coming, Angie. The rest of us lowly bloggers are living vicariously through your 5-year-old’s career. 😉
Thanks Katy! I’m glad she’s forced to let her parents tag along 😉 But seriously, we think it’s SUPER important for her to be aware that the world is a bigger place and if there is an opportunity to use the platform we have for the greater good, than that is something that we absolutely WANT to do!