TROY — The Somerset Collection’s iconic skywalk will illuminate red this February to draw attention to the Go Red for Women campaign. Inside, the North Grand Court will also “go red” with a stunning, month-long runway auction and a Valentine’s pop-up shop. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this initiative at the Somerset Collection benefit the American Heart Association.
“The Go Red for Women campaign exemplifies everything we do at Somerset Collection because it supports both our community and our retail partners,” said Nate Forbes, managing partner of the Forbes Company, which owns the Somerset Collection. “The runway in the North Grand Court will highlight some remarkable items from our stores and we’re glad we have an opportunity to support the American Heart Association’s efforts to cure heart disease for women.”
Starting Feb. 1, the Somerset Collection’s North Grand Court will be draped with red fabric to frame a runway with 25 items for a month-long silent auction. The runway will feature items, all of which are red, including handbags by Giorgio Armani and Salvatore Ferragamo, shoes and a dress from L.K. Bennett, a dress, handbag and jewelry from Kate Spade, shoes and a hand bag from Intermix, beauty products from Sephora, and a trip to Naples, Florida, complete with shopping at the Waterside Shops and two red bathing suits from Beach House, and more. Auction prices start between $1,000 and $3,000 and a docent will be available to accept bids and answer questions.
The “My Valentine” pop-up shop opened on Somerset Collection South on Jan. 18 and will close on Feb. 14. The shop offers gift wrapping for a five dollar donation to the American Heart Association. Shoppers can also peruse displays of Valentine’s Day gift ideas from the Somerset Collection’s stores while waiting for their package to be wrapped.
The Go Red for Women movement, chaired by Janice Uhlig, executive director of Global Compensation for the General Motors Company, aims at bringing awareness to women’s heart health. Since its inception 10 years ago, more than 627,000 women’s lives have been saved.
Uhlig, who lost her father to heart disease at age 71, knows first-hand the importance of this campaign. “Heart disease is our number one killer, so people need to know their numbers and take preventative steps before it’s too late,” said Uhlig. “If one person takes action and makes a difference in their life, then we made a difference.”
