Lorena Sarbu Named Chairwoman of AHA's 'Go Red' Campaign

Beverly Hills fashion designer and boutique owner Lorena Sarbu has been named chairwoman of the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" luncheon, which will be held in Milwaukee, WI in May. The "Go Red" campaign encourages women to take action against heart disease, and is part of the organization's national effort to increase awareness of cardiovascular disease, the number one killer of women in the U.S.

"We are thrilled to have [Lorena] chairing this event," said Katy Boeck, Milwaukee director of Go Red for Women, "With such respected and knowledgeable women leading the way, we expect that Milwaukee women will pay close attention to the importance of addressing the very real threat of heart disease."

Only 21 percent of women say they view heart disease as the greatest threat to their health; meanwhile, more than 9,000 women in Milwaukee died last year of heart disease and stroke.

Lorena is excited to be a part of Go Red. She hopes that, through her involvement, she can help encourage women to empower themselves with knowledge about heart disease, which she says is "a serious issue that deserves more attention, especially among women."

EKC PR Welcomes Filmmaker Rich Tola

Actor-filmmaker, yoga master and philanthropist Rich Tola has chosen Eileen Koch & Company for PR representation. His debut feature, Boulevard Zen, is a "day-in-the-life"-style mockumentary that follows a grieving man on a healing journey during which he discovers the therapeutic powers of yoga. Rich's nonprofit organization of the same name works to provide yoga instruction to battered women and children. We're excited to work with Rich, and can't wait for his film's premiere next month!

Laura Bryna Tells Southern Beauty Magazine Why 'Life is Good'

Country star and philanthropist Laura Bryna discusses her sizzling music career and gives readers a peek inside her charmed life in Southern Beauty Magazine's fall cover story:

"Laura Bryna has been surrounded by heroes and amazing experiences the past year and a half. In January of 2008 Bry

na’s year started off with a proverbial bang as she was approached by Master Sergeant Bob Hall and retired Lieutenant Colonel Randy Johnson to represent the Air National Guard in an upcoming advertising campaign. Honored by this opportunity it was easy for

Laura to show her excitement. Says Bryna, 'That was such a compliment. I have such an appreciation for the military. To be an outsider looking in, they really allowed me to become a part of their family.'

After shooting the commercial for the Air National Guard, Laura took

inspiration from the men and women she met during the filming and crafted her latest single, Hometown Heroes. 'Doing the Hometown Heroes video was one of the most amazing experiences of my life! Real life heroes from every war surrounded me. It was absolutely incredible; I kept thinking

"Hi, I’m little Laura",' Bryna says with her charismatic laugh." (read more...)

HOT From Koch :: Laura Bryna to Perform at Salute to Our Troops Dinner Gala

Laura Bryna will lend her talent to the United Service Organizations’ (USO) Salute to Our Troops dinner in Baltimore, Md., on Thursday, November 12^th. The event will honor patients from local military hospitals, and attendees will include military officials, Maryland dignitaries and the families of troops.

A big talent with an equally huge heart, Bryna has long prided herself on patriotism. Her love for her country and passion for giving back are recurring themes in both her music and in her philanthropic work. Bryna’s Los Angeles debut concert, which was held at the famous House of Blues in Hollywood earlier this summer, was a packed performance that served as a tribute to America’s Hometown Heroes and to the women of the Air National Guard. The organization selected Bryna to serve as the official spokesperson and also chose her song, “Hometown Heroes” (which she also co-wrote), for the United States Air National Guard ad campaign.

The Salute to Our Troops dinner event, hosted by The USO and Michael Tabrizi, will be held at 6:00 p.m. ET at Tabrizi’s Restaurant, located at the Baltimore Maryland’s Inner Harbor. To attend Laura Bryna’s live performance, RSVP to Meghan Hardgrove at Meghan@usometro.org or 703-696-0717 by November 5^th.