Sister to Sister

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Washington, D.C. - Legendary rocker Tina Turner's recent concert helped fund the important work of the Sister to Sister Foundation. Fans filled the owner's suite at Verizon Center for a special fundraiser that will help provide free heart-healthy screenings for women in 2009. Irene Pollin is the founder and chairman of Sister to Sister Foundation.

It was the second in a series of events Sister to Sister Foundation is holding to raise funds to provide free screenings for women to determine their risk factors for heart disease. Sister to Sister's first fundraising event in the owner's suite was the Celine Dion concert held earlier in the year.

Tina - wearing flashy outfits and spiked shoes to show off her famous legs -- put on a spectacular show, culminating in her signature show-stopping number "Proud Mary." The Washington Post's reviewer was effusive in his praise for her energy and ageless voice.

The arena was filled with adoring Tina fans who often sang and danced along with her as she put on a show full of old favorites, clever fireworks, sensuous dancing, and visuals that spanned her career. Among those enjoying the concert in the executive suite was Sister to Sister supporter Maureen Bunyan, an anchor for ABC's WJLA-TV Channel 7, who also serves as mistress of ceremonies for many foundation events.

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in America. Since Sister to Sister Foundation was established in 2000, more than 70,000 women have received free screenings and 175,000 people have attended its health fairs across the USA to learn how they can take care of their hearts and adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle for themselves and their families.

This latest benefit will allow Sister to Sister to fund 1,000 screenings as the organization gears up for its 2009 season. Thousands of women across America will get screened free, be counseled on their results, and be given information and strategies for changing negative lifestyles. Among those supporting the fundraiser were Fariba Jahanbani, Judy and Leland Bishop, Harold and Nancy Zirkin, Cathy Hughes, Sheila C. Johnson Newman, and Michele Hagans.

Sister to Sister is planning other fundraisers. Inquiries about future events and volunteer opportunities should be made to the foundation at 301-718-8033 or e-mail PShannon@sistertosister.

Photo 1: Maureen Bunyan, (right) ABC Channel 7 anchor and emcee for many Sister to Sister Foundation events, and Roberta Baskin enjoy the carrot cake at the Tina Turner concert.

Photo 2: Cathy Hughes, (left) owner of Radio One and TV One, and Fariba Jahanbani, regional manager of Cartiers, take in the concert.

Photo 3: Tia Cudahy (left), Judy Bishop and Virginia Shore take a break to nibble at the buffet.

Photo 4: Nancy Zirkin likes what she hears.

Photo 5: All smiles are Michele Hagans (left) and Aleta Alsop.

Photo 6: Tina Turner fan Mirella Levinas of Cartier was fashion perfect at the concert.