Forever Marilyn statue to go red all month to raise awareness for heart health
PS Resorts partnered with the American Heart Association to raise awareness for heart health by lighting the Forever Marilyn statue red for the month starting Friday.
"On National Wear Red Day, the nation comes together, igniting a wave of red from coast to coast with the common goal: the eradication of heart disease and stroke,'' Coachella Valley American Heart Association Development Director Mary Leith in a statement.
According to the American Heart Association, nearly 45% of women who are over the age of 20 live with some form of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death for women. Residents and visitors were additionally encouraged to wear red on Friday and to take a selfie with the statue donning its red glow.
"We are so excited that Forever Marilyn will be joining the ranks of other nationally, well-known U.S. landmarks that have gone red, including the Santa Monica Pier Pacific Wheel, the Empire State Building, the Sears Tower, the Space Needle in Seattle and Times Square and are grateful for the spectacular display of red to raise awareness of heart disease and send a reminder about the importance of loving your heart,'' Leith said.
PS Resorts chairman Aftab Dada also said that since February is American Heart Month, and the time of year Valentine's Day is celebrated, that the red spotlight will remain in place on the statue for the entire month.
The 26-foot tall Forever Marilyn Statue, which is based on the famous Bernard of Hollywood photo of Monroe's iconic dress-blowing scene from "The Seven Year Itch,'' was created by sculptor Seward Johnson, according to a statement from the organizations. It is lit at sundown each night.
