'Time is Muscle' for expanded cardiac care in Red Deer runs Jan. 19th

Plans are taking shape for 'Time is Muscle' - a fundraising and awareness-building event for enhanced cardiac care in Red Deer.

The event is slated for Jan. 19th at the Sheraton Hotel.

Time is Muscle 2019 includes a heart-themed, three course plated dinner, a 'Heartbeats Band: Songs from the Heart' Retro Rock & Roll Party, a silent auction, 'live' painting, an art gallery and sale, a 50/50 plus vacation raffle and a fun photo corner.

Guests are also encouraged to wear red in solidarity for the cause, said co-producers Harley Hay and Vanessa Higgins-Nogareda.

The duo came up with the idea for the initial Time is Muscle event last year, which attracted some 200 people and ultimately brought in $12,000. "This event raises funds for cardiac care because it's going to go to cardiology based on the need. Last year, it went to a stress echo bike, where instead of running on a treadmill you can lay somewhat reclined on a bicycle for those not as physically able to run on a treadmill," said Higgins-Nogareda.

"That's an example of the kinds of things that we are supporting."

As mentioned, another primary purpose of the event is to raise awareness for the need for a cardiac catheterization lab at the Red Deer Regional Hospital and for hospital expansion in general.

Cardiac catheterization is a procedure to unblock coronary arteries that feed the heart.

To that end, corporate and personal donations are appreciated including cash, products or services and those who contribute will be issued a tax receipt and optional recognition.

"We are bigger and better this year," said Hay of the coming event, adding that it's taking place at the Sheraton this year as well.

"We also have a different show – it's a show designed specifically for Time is Muscle."

At last year's event, they performed a portion of a popular show called Time Machine that had been presented a few months earlier in Red Deer to rave reviews.

"This year we've got a whole new band, and the (show) is all heart -related," he explained. "It's called the Heartbeats Band, because it's all about 'heart'.

"We are doing a one-hour show and all of the songs we will be playing have 'heart' in the title," he said, adding tunes from about the last four decades of pop and rock have been picked.

Gems include hits like Heart of Rock and Roll and Heart of Gold, so there will indeed be something for everyone and the show will also feature lead singers Haeley Ginter and Vinnie Taylor.

Rounding out the talented set of band members are the Gomez brothers (Craig and Corey), Ricardo Villacorta, Dave Parfett and Hay.

Higgins-Nogareda said there is also going to be a 'H'Art Gallery' featuring works from many local artists, too.

"We are hoping to have painting, pottery, photography, jewelry – all local – and we will split the (sales) proceeds 50-50 with the artists so it supports them as well as the cause," she said. "There will also be a memory wall, so when people buy their tickets, they can upload directly onto the ticketing site photos of loved ones who have passed away from heart disease. They can also bring a photo to the event and we will post them. It's a visual representation of why we are doing the event."

The cost to attend Time is Muscle is $80 (before Dec. 31st) and $90 after Dec. 31st or $640 for a table of eight. There will also be a cash bar.

A portion of the tickets will be tax-receipted.

"Everyone is supposed to wear red! It was so much fun last year looking out over that sea of red," added Hay with a smile. "It was very 'heartfelt' - let's put it that way."

Tickets may be purchased online (go to http://www.rdrhfoundation.com), by phone (403-343-4773) or in person at the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation located at the Red Deer Hospital. Also, find them on Facebook at 'Time is Muscle 2019: Dinner and Show'.