36th Annual Greater Miami & The Keys Red Cross Ball

The Greater Miami & The Keys Chapter of the American Red Cross honored Iberia-American pop music icon, Chayanne at its 36th Annual Red Cross Ball, “A Masquerade in Red”, on Saturday, April 7th at the Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne, Miami. Chayanne, a long-time volunteer and member of the Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet, was presented with the Crystal Cross Award, which honors celebrities and entertainment partners who have shown exemplary support of and service to the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross.

Chayanne has been advocating for the importance of blood donation for many years, and most recently, following the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria in his native Puerto Rico, has been incredibly active with the disaster relief efforts.

This year’s ball was chaired by Ana and Cecil Milton alongside Philanthropic Chairs Swanee and Paul DiMare and celebrated the life-saving services provided by the Red Cross in South Florida. Almost 400 guests were in attendance, sporting their finest red attire and ornate masks in keeping with the theme, “A Masquerade in Red.” Guests were treated to the sweet sounds of Soul Survivors amid spectacular decor imagined by Lori M Productions. The evening’s program and auction featured a wine wall sponsored by Bob Dickinson and curated by the Red Cross Ball committee, spectacular cruises by Norwegian Cruise Lines and Oceania Cruises, and VIP tickets to the Miami Marlins and the Miami Heat spectacular, among dozens of other fabulous items.

“We are thrilled with the success of our Chapter’s most highly anticipated event of the year,” said ball chair, Ana VeigaMilton. “In addition to honoring Chayanne for his work with the American Red Cross, we were able to raise significant funds to assist with disaster preparedness, response and recovery programs and services, continuing the chapter’s tradition and commitment to the Greater Miami & The Keys Chapter.”

Following the reception, the Greater Miami & The Keys Chapter of the American Red Cross hosted their very first Young Professionals Party in Red, where more than 120 of South Florida young professionals “crashed” the party donning crimson ball gowns and mingled over music and cocktails.

This year’s Ball Committee members include: Amanda Altman, Trish Bell, A. Dax Bello, Julia Bianchi, Stacy Briggle, Paula Brockway, Leslie Brown, Teresa Buoniconti, Debbie Campbell, Pamela W. Cole, Leatrice Damus, Gloria Danovitz, Swanee DiMare, Norma Echarte, Nelly Farra, Linda Levy Goldberg, Carolyn E. Hicks, Jean B. Jenkins, Marile Lopez, Betty Lopez-Castro, Elena Luca, Ginger Mead, Rita Michel, Maria Cristina Miranda, Jenny Parker, Jeanie Pfleger, Barbara Reese, Michele Reese, Vicki Rueda, Joanie Stringer, Mimi Shafey, Rita Wilder, Libby Witherspoon, Kristine Wenzel and Michele Wiseheart.

The Gala is made possible, in part, by generous sponsors including, the Jose Milton Foundation and Swanee & Paul DiMare.

For more information, visit www.redcross.org.