DALTON— Shaw Industries recently hosted Texas-based retailers at the opening of Laura Bush’s The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection and First Ladies Red Dress Collection at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas Staged on Shaw’s Anso nylon carpet Sandy Hollow II, the special exhibit features a collection of red dresses worn by numerous celebrities and first ladies in an effort to raise awareness of heart-related diseases in women. Shaw signage will be displayed prominently throughout the 11-month exhibit.

To celebrate the evening and Shaw’s involvement, more than 20 retailers attended the exhibit’s ribbon cutting. Retailers enjoyed the unique opportunity of meeting President George H.W. Bush, former First Lady Barbara Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush during the VIP reception.

Following the event, Shaw hosted a presidential-themed dinner honoring the retailers. “The Red Dress event and dinner was special for all of us, incorporating the pride of working with Shaw and enriching the relationship,” said Mildred Hoffmann, owner of Hoffmann Floors in New Braunfels, Texas.

The opportunity came to Shaw from Chuck Moreau, owner of Moreau Enterprises, a retailer in College Station. Sales associate Scott Raisor was contacted by the Bush Library museum curator, who was looking for white carpet for the exhibit. Moreau called Shaw with the request because he was confident Shaw’s Anso was the perfect solution for the exhibit.

“Shaw always looks for ways to support a good cause, and we take pride in contributing flooring for the exhibit,” said Kathy Young, director of residential marketing. “The event allowed Shaw the opportunity to showcase Anso, support a worthwhile cause and treat our retailers to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Events like this create brand ambassadors.”

Each year more than 500,000 women will have a heart attack, and one in four will die of heart disease. The Heart Truth is a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The Red Dress Collection will be on display until Aug. 14, 2011. For more information on The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection and First Ladies Red Dress Collection, visit bushlibrary.tamu.edu/exhibits/2010-red_dress.