A blood pressure monitor helped save my life. Now, we want more families to have access to that same potentially lifesaving tool, along with the knowledge to use it.

 

As a supporter of the Veronica Blount Memorial Foundation (VBMF) and Red Shoe Lunch (RSL), you have helped us place hundreds of blood pressure monitors into the homes of people who need them.

 

We've gone door-to-door distributing monitors in Atlanta and Baltimore. We've partnered with Giant Food Pharmacy to bring free neighborhood health clinics to underserved communities. We've hosted free blood pressure monitor giveaways for seniors.

 

Most recently, we participated in the Baltimore Book Festival, where we provided free blood pressure monitors to pregnant and postpartum women. We also joined the Greenbriar Mall Fall Festival, providing free monitors to City of Atlanta residents.

 

We've accomplished all of this because of you!

 

Our primary funding source has always been our small, but mighty network of supporters. We are incredibly grateful for everything you've helped us accomplish. Now, we're asking you to help us reach even further by inviting others to join our mission.

 

The more time we spend in our communities, the more we recognize just how great our services are needed.

 

Every day, more people join our waitlist for free blood pressure monitors. I've also been contacted by physicians and community health organizations from across the country, asking if we can help provide resources to the people they serve.

 

This growing need is both inspiring and heartbreaking.

 

I'm inspired because it reminds me that our work is making a difference. People are hearing our message, recognizing the importance of monitoring their blood pressure, and reaching out for help.

 

But it's also heartbreaking to know that so many people need something as basic as a blood pressure monitor, and we simply don't have the resources to help everyone who asks.

 

Still, we refuse to let the size of the challenge diminish our commitment.

 

We remain dedicated to providing free blood pressure monitors to those in need.

 

That commitment is the driving force behind our 1 For Every 1 Blood Pressure Monitor Campaign, which is working toward one simple goal:

A blood pressure monitor in every home.

 

And now, we're ready to take the next step.

 

Introducing the VBMF Heart Mobile.

 

Why We Need the Heart Mobile

 

Today, our volunteer team transports blood pressure monitors, supplies, and outreach equipment to communities where our services are needed.

 

A dedicated vehicle would allow us to reach more people while creating a visible, welcoming community outreach station where residents can receive free blood pressure monitors, learn how to use them, and participate in nurse-led blood pressure screenings.

 

Instead of asking residents to travel several blocks to a community center or other distribution location, we could bring these important resources closer to where they live.

 

The Heart Mobile would also allow our volunteers to work together from a central location, reducing the need for door-to-door distribution and creating a safer, more efficient approach to community outreach.

 

The Heart Mobile would also give us the flexibility to expand our mission beyond Atlanta and Baltimore.

 

We envision traveling to communities across the United States, building new partnerships, connecting with local volunteers, and bringing heart-health resources to people who might otherwise go without them.

 

As we reach new cities and states, we also hope to build new relationships with businesses, organizations, and donors who believe in our mission.

 

The Heart Mobile isn't simply a vehicle. It's an opportunity to reach more people, serve more communities, and make a greater impact.

 

Our Fundraising Goal: $45,500

 

We're raising $45,500 to purchase a used van and transform it with a full red Heart Mobile wrap. Our goal includes estimated vehicle purchase taxes, title, registration, and dealer fees.

 

This initial phase focuses specifically on securing the vehicle and its wrap. Blood pressure monitor inventory, outreach equipment, insurance, and ongoing operating expenses will be funded separately.

 

Final purchase costs will depend on vehicle availability and written vendor quotes.

 

Give Any Amount, or Put Your Support on the Van!

 

Every gift matters.

Whether you give $10, $25, $50, or another amount, your generosity will help move the Heart Mobile one step closer to the road.

 

For those who would like to make an additional commitment, we're offering special recognition opportunities on the vehicle:

• $150 — Name on the Van: Have one individual name displayed in small lettering on the Heart Mobile.

• $1,000 — Business Partner: Have your business recognized with a small logo on the vehicle.

• $10,000 — Presenting Sponsor: Receive prominent logo placement on the Heart Mobile. Only three opportunities are available.

   

Imagine seeing your name or business logo traveling through communities, helping us deliver heart-health resources to families in need.

 

Your support won't just help us purchase a vehicle. It will become part of the story of every community we reach.

 

Help Us Reach the Finish Line! 🏁

 

We're launching this campaign now, building momentum through Giving Tuesday, and working toward reaching our fundraising goal by the 17th Annual Red Shoe Lunch on February 27, 2027.

 

We're asking you to donate, share this campaign with friends and family, or introduce us to a business or organization that might be willing to help.

 

Any savings from the vehicle purchase, along with funds raised beyond our goal, will support Heart Mobile outreach efforts, including the purchase of additional blood pressure monitors.

 

We recognize that we're asking for more than we've ever asked before. But we're also being called upon to do more than we've ever done before.

 

The need is growing, and so must we.

 

But we don't expect you to carry this responsibility alone.

If you believe in our mission and want to be part of this next chapter, please reach into your own communities. Invite a friend, a neighbor, a coworker, or a local business to join us.

 

You don't have to make a large donation to make a meaningful difference. Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give is introducing our mission to someone who has never heard of us.

 

Together, we can bring heart-health resources closer to the people who need them. ❤️

 

From Six Women to a Growing Movement

 

Before I close, I want to share something personal.

 

When Red Shoe Lunch began in 2011, it was just six women gathered around a table in an Atlanta restaurant. We wore red shoes, shared a meal, and came together for a cause that was deeply personal to me.

 

I could never have imagined how far that small gathering would take us.

 

Today, we host an annual luncheon that brings together hundreds of supporters, and we've built a growing community of people who believe in our mission.

 

One day, I believe the Veronica Blount Memorial Foundation and Red Shoe Lunch will be household names—not because of how large we've become, but because of the lives we've touched.

 

And when that day comes, I want you to know that you were part of the beginning!

 

You helped us build something from very little. You believed in our mission when our resources were limited. You gave, volunteered, attended our events, shared our message, and encouraged us to keep going.

 

Because of you, we're still here. Still growing. Still determined to make a difference.

 

I believe we will save lives. In fact, I believe we already have;

and I hope you'll continue this journey with us.

 

Thank you for standing beside us, believing in us, and helping turn a personal mission into a movement.

 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

 

With love and gratitude,

Tee Blount

Founder, Veronica Blount Memorial Foundation
Creator, Red Shoe Lunch