Beth Howard makes a banana creme pie on March 25, 2012, in Eldon, Iowa. (Alana Semuels/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

IOWA CITY – Tickets are available for the Johnson County Go Red for Women Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 8.

The event is 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Coralville Marriott, 300 East Ninth St., Coralville.

Keynote speaker Beth Howard discovered the healing powers of pie baking after losing her husband, Marcus, in 2009. He was just 43 and suffered a ruptured aorta, the result of a congenital heart condition. She had been an avid and professional baker and soon turned to baking pies to help her deal with her grief.

The luncheon, sponsored by the University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center, features a silent auction, vendor fair, survivor gallery and heart-healthy lunch.

Tickets are $40.

The goal of the American Heart Association’s luncheon is to educate women and raise $90,000 that will fund local programs, research and education.

Call (319)378-1763 for details and registration or visit www.iowacitygoredforwomen.org

Learn more about Howard’s story at www.theworldneedsmorepie.com