American Red Cross 26th Annual Ball


On Saturday, March 8th, the Greater Miami & The Keys chapter of the American Red Cross held its 26th Annual Ball. The event, held in commemoration of the organization’s accomplishments in 2007, was held at the Mandarin Oriental Miami. The Annual Ball is a tradition that has been growing for the past 25 years, and 2008 was the most successful ball in local Red Cross history.
Each year, a dedicated committee of volunteers works tirelessly to plan the activities that will take place at the Ball. This year’s committee was chaired by Paula Brockway and included 35 outstanding and determined women committed to the mission of the Red Cross. A fabulous pre-ball dinner hosted by Betty Brody, Rita Michel and Swanee & Paul DiMare honoring the ball committee and sponsors was held on February 6th.
This year’s festivities were a fusion of glitz and glam with many of Miami’s social elite in attendance. Local 10’s Laurie Jennings was a captivating Mistress of Ceremonies.

The gala, which serves as a celebration of the efforts of volunteers and staff, is a major fundraiser for the organization and has brought together many in the community in support of the Red Cross. With the help of many individuals and local businesses, the ball raised a record-breaking $885,000. All proceeds fund the local lifesaving programs and services of the Red Cross such as Disaster Relief, CPR, First Aid and Service to the Armed Forces.
Undoubtedly, the most memorable prize of the several items raffled during the evening was a brand new 2008 red Mercedes-Benz CLK 350 Cabriolet donated by Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, a Bill Ussery Motors Company. The lucky winning ticket, one of 1,000 tickets sold, was selected at the event. Other exceptional prizes included a one-night stay at the luxurious Mandarin Suite at the Mandarin Oriental valued at $5,500, a $5,000 shopping spree at Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, a $2,500 shopping spree at Country French, and a $2,500 shopping spree at Lane’s Store for Men.
The Greater Miami & The Keys chapter of the American Red Cross helps to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters that affect our community. Events such as the Red Cross Ball help ensure that the Red Cross will always be ready and able to respond to the needs of our neighbors.
Honorary Chairs Trish & Dan Bell, Jean Ellen Shehan, Paula & Bob Brockway, Swanee & Paul DiMare, Rob Hector
Grand Humanitarians Pam Garrison, Bunny Bastian, Kirk Landon
Honorary Chairs Swanee and Paul DiMare with Joyce and Tony Burns
Honorary Chairs Trish and Dan Bell, Honorary Chair Jean Ellen Shehan
Florence and Sheldon Anderson, Grand Humanitarians Nancy and Jon Batchelor
Libby Witherspoon, Honorary Chairs Rob and Nancy Hector
Robert and Brenda Castellano
David and Julia Bianchi
Rudy and Lydia Prio-Touzet
Board Members: Ken Sutter, Mary Frances Irvin, Marielena Villamil, Jorge Gross, Lynn Martenstein, Jean Ellen Shehan, Judge Betty Butchko, Paul DiMare, Ileana Bravo, Mona Adams, Bunny Bastian, Julia Bianchi, Chris Cobb
Norma Quintero, Maria Beguiristain, Diane de Olazarra, Pam Cole
Cybelle Santo Domingo, Meg French, Kevin Scott, Chair Paula Brockway
Jeff & Yolanda Berkowitz, Kim Smith
Alvaro & Ana Varela
Alison and Darryl Robinson, Jennifer Pfleger
Katrina and Don Peebles, Daisy Olivera and Bernard Garsen
Bill and Barbara Reese, Steven & Melony Simmons
Huber & Phyllis Parsons, Alfred & Lee Damus
Alan Roth, Anne Owen, & General Manager Neiman's Coral Gables Stephen Brunelle
Ball Chairs Paula and Bob Brockway, Laurie Jennings