Chocolate and Jewelry for American Heart Month

February is a month of romance, love and Valentine hearts. Not too many know that it’s also American Heart month.

Since cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are the nation's No. 1 killer. Congress has required the president to proclaim February "American Heart Month." Since 1963 to urge Americans to join the battle against these diseases.

The Chocolatier in New City, a 28-year-old family-owned business, supported heart health by holding a shopping fundraiser. A percentage of all the sales last night went to the American Heart Association.

“I think it’s fabulous,” said said Sheryl Lorber, president of . “It’s a wonderful turnout for a great cause. I hope to do more for women’s health issues in the future.”

This is her second shopping fundraiser. The first was right before Christmas and Hanukkah for breast cancer.

“Tonight has been beneficial, fun and heartwarming,” said Lisa Reese, who attended the event last night with her friends. “I think it’s a great idea. Women can have fun, socialize and buy themselves a gift to help the American Heart Association.

Here are some of the features from last night’s event:

• Chocolat: chocolate skin care products (http://mychocolatstore.com/)
• DOVine Desings Jewelry (DOV@DOVineDesigns.com; 845.639.0809)
• BEcreative Gifts (BEcreativeGifts@gmail.com; 917.273.1149; facebook)
• Miss Dee Psychic & Spiritual Guidance
• Chocolate samples, wine and cheese
• A guest speaker on women’s health

“I spoke about women and heart disease,” said guest speaker Sandi Jeanette of the  Bon Secours Charity Health System. “Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, five times the breast cancer death rate. Not too many people know that.”

Jeanette was giving away red dress pins that are the logo for the campaign “Go Red for Women.” In 2004, the American Heart Association started this campaign to dispel myths and raise awareness of heart disease being the largest cause of death in women.

“I got to learn the symptoms of women heart health and that it’s the No. 1 killer of women,” said Ashley Haber, a seventh grader at Felix Festa.

Dov King had her DOVine Designs table set up displaying and selling her various jewelry and accessories.

“It’s an honor to represent American Heart Month in such a stylish yet prosperous way for the American Heart Association,” said King, who’ll be in business two years come this summer. She sells fashion-forward and trendy jewelry and accessories that are also affordable.

One table over, Lauren Heydt was debuting her new business: BEcreative Gifts.

“Pick your fabric and I personalize the pails for you,” she said. “For example, you can say, ‘I’m looking for a birthday gift for a 5-year-old. She’s into princesses. And I take it from there stuffing the pails with gifts personalized for the recipient.”

The pails come in five or 10 quart sizes along with an oval caddy option. Choose a fabric, a name, monogram or saying and a little something about the recipient. Heydt takes it from there and gets creative with picking out gifts for that special someone.
Igor Sharapanyuk had his Chocolat skin care line laid out.

“It’s 100 percent natural.These are Soy massage oil candles,” he said, pointing to his candles made with chocolate truffle, mandarin and mint. “I also have a bridal program to pamper yourself on your wedding day. My gifts only use genuine Swarovski crystals.”

He also sells bath salt, body butter, milk bath, body scrub and lip balm all in beautiful packaging.

“Who says “natural” should be ugly?” Sharapanyuk added.

Miss Dee had a table set up to give palm and psychic readings.Elena Rozenfeld stopped by Miss Dee’s table to get a look into her future.

“It (the reading) was very good. I got all I needed to hear and confirmed a few things,” Rozenfeld said. “I got some jewelry and some chocolate.” Rozenfeld bought dark chocolate almond sweets, but skipped the gift wrapping as the chocolates were a treat for herself.February is a month of romance, love and Valentine hearts. Not too many know that it’s also American Heart month.