You can help support the Women’s Heart Health program at Saint Luke’s South by attending the third annual Books and Boutiques luncheon!

KCRAR member Gail Dicus, Reece & Nichols, is the honorary chair for this year’s event, to be held this Thursday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd.

Gail received a heart transplant Aug. 2, 2005 at Saint Luke’s South, and today, she honors her donor by spreading the word about women’s heart disease – the No. 1 killer of women in the United States.

“I am really committed to giving back to the community through Women’s Heart Health and other endeavors,” Gail says. “It’s a blessing I’m even here and still have the privilege to stay in my profession. I feel I have a responsibility to give something back and to make a difference.”

In addition to her involvement with Women’s Heart Health, Gail is a national ambassador for the American Heart Association and has spoken to groups of REALTORS® throughout the local real estate community on being proactive about your heart health.

“Books & boutiques is a great, event,” she says. “It’s fun shopping, but it also has a nice learning component.”

Shop to your heart's content with 14 of your favorite local boutiques, all of which will donate 15 percent of proceeds to the Women's Heart Health program at Saint Luke's South – and some of which will offer deep discounts to those in attendance. (Boutiques with an * are Books and Boutiques founding retailers.)

• Ambiance
• Amelia's
• B's Bags West
• feng *
• Frankie & Jules
• Girl Boutique
• J. Hathaway Shoes
• Madden McFarland Interiors
• Mady & Me
• Rainy Day Books *
• Style & Grace
• Two Chic Blvd
• Vico's
• Will Wyatt's

Enjoy a gourmet luncheon at 11:30 a.m. with author Elizabeth Berg. As a former nurse, Elizabeth writes with humor and sympathy about the trials that upend women's lives and the courageous ways they set them right again. She has authored many best-selling novels, including several New York Times best sellers and an Oprah's Book Club selection. Each guest will receive a signed copy of Elizabeth's new book, The Last Time I Saw You.

“I was so appreciative of how supportive the real estate community was during my battle with heart disease, specifically during my heart transplant,” Gail says. “REALTORS® I never met sent meals, letters, cards and flowers. I was overwhelmed by the support and it meant a lot to me and my family – so anything I can do to give back is a blessing. I’m pleased to do so and would be totally thrilled to come to any offices and talk about heart health and organ donation.”

Individual tickets for Books and Boutiques are $70. Register for the event here and see more about Books and Boutiques here.