The South Orange Performing Arts Center Declares A 'Red Alert' To Help The American Heart Association

The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) has declared a "red alert" for Friday, February 5 - Saturday, February 6, 2010, to help the American Heart Association turn New Jersey red and bring attention to the No. 1 killer of New Jersey and American females - heart disease. SOPAC will illuminate red its venue at One SOPAC Way in South Orange on the evening of February 5, National Wear Red Day for Women, into the evening of February 6. In addition, during the February 6 SOPAC performance of Forbidden Broadway, employees at SOPAC are joining companies and organizations throughout New Jersey and across the nation by wearing something red and "going red."

"We're thrilled to help such a worthy cause," says Ondine Landa Abramson, Executive Director of SOPAC. "In addition to advocating the prevention and awareness of heart disease to the residents of South Orange, SOPAC is taking this opportunity to remind its employees to think about their own hearts and make necessary changes to improve their health."

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, claim the lives of nearly 455,000 women annually - more female lives lost than from the next five (5) causes of death - combined! National Wear Red Day for Women supports the American Heart Association Go Red For Women movement and is a massive national public awareness day on Friday, February 5 to raise awareness that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women.

Last year, nearly 17,000 companies and organizations across the country supported National Wear Red Day for Women, including 2,000 New Jersey locations. More than 530 buildings and landmarks illuminated red that evening, including 32 locations around the Garden State. Go Red For Women is nationally sponsored by Macy's and Merck. For more information about National Wear Red Day for Women, the Go Red For Women movement or free women's programs such as Go Red BetterU, call the New Jersey State Office of the American Heart Association at (609) 208-0020 or visit www.GoRedForWomen.org. Go Red TM of AHA, Red Dress TM of DHHS.

About SOPAC
Since 2006, SOPAC has been serving as the premier performing arts center in the region. SOPAC offers innovative artistic and cultural experiences for diverse audiences in an intimate, inviting environment. The multidisciplinary arts center hosts a variety of live performances, community events and education programs for all ages. To further expand its offerings, SOPAC has a partnership with the Juilliard School of Music to present Juilliard @ SOPAC-a series featuring upcoming musicians from the acclaimed conservatory. SOPAC is also a home for Seton Hall University Arts Council's performances, including Classical Concert Series, Jazz N' the Hall performances, and Seton Hall Theatre productions. http://www.sopacnow.org