JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Many people danced the night away while supporting a good cause at the art walk in downtown Jacksonville Wednesday night.
"Wear red and dance your heart out" was the theme of the weekly art walk. Wednesday night’s event was backed by a bigger message, from the American Heart Association.
Lisa Baker, who supports heart health awareness, watched her daughter's dance performance with her elementary school at the art walk. Baker made sure her daughter was aware of the important lessons to be learned Wednesday night, about coronary heart disease. The No. 1 killer among women.
"We try to promote healthy lifestyle, exercise. She dances, she's very active, very healthy, eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle," said Baker.
Latonja Richardson is an American Heart Association volunteer, survived a mini-stroke five years ago and says that heart disease is very prevalent in her family, and being educated is key.
"Heart disease affects everyone in our community. It's the No. 1 killer amongst women. So it's crucially important that we do our part in being each other's brothers' and sisters' keepers," said Richardson.
Many people were posing for fun pictures with friends and writing on the sidewalk with chalk.
And amid the amazing music, beautiful artworks were displayed and creators showed off their crafts.
“We're one city, one Jacksonville and we want to ensure Jacksonville learns the numbers and more about healthy heart care,” said Richardson.
The heart health awareness campaign continues until Friday. People are encouraged to wear red for Go Red Day and there will be another event in Hemming Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. supporting the American Heart Association.