Mimi's Cafe celebrates National Go Red Day | News

Brandon, Florida -- You'd likely be hard pressed to find someone who has not been impacted by heart disease.  It could be you, a friend, a family member or even a co-worker.

Click:  American Heart Association: Go Red for Women

The reality is, heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States.  The American Heart Association estimates cardiovascular disease takes the lives of 460,000 women each year... that's one death per minute.

Mimi's Cafe, a national restaurant chain, is taking steps to help save lives.  Like most restaurants, the chain offers lighter and healthier meal options, but unlike other restaurants, Mimi's Cafe is the only national restaurant chain to team up with the American Heart Association for Go Red For Women.

"Go Red aligns with your values and culture here at Mimi's Cafe," said John Hudgins, general manager of the Brandon restaurant, "Being able to spread the word about heart disease for women is very important."

If you make a $1 or $5 donation to the American Heart Association at the restaurant, you will not only receive a paper heart with your name on it, but coupons worth up to $35. One coupon includes a free Light and Fit entree with the purchase of another Light and Fit entree.

The goal is to raise $150,000 for the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement.

"We're going to hit it and I think we're going to exceed it as well," said Hudgins.

Customers who wear red Friday, for Go Red Day for Women, will receive a free cup of soup with the purchase of an entree, to "warm their hearts."

Of course, since soup is high in sodium... everything in moderation.

There are three Mimi's Cafes in the Tampa Bay area:  Brandon, Lakeland and Carrollwood.