Centennial Celebration Ball on March 25, 2017
Marks 35th annual American Red Cross Ball
When the Greater Miami & The Keys American Red Cross Chapter hosts its “Centennial Celebration Ball” on Saturday, March 25, at the Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne, it will mark the 35th annual American Red Cross Ball in South Florida. Chaired by Mary “Mimi” Bradley Shafey, the Ball will honor past chairs and recognize the life-saving services provided by the American Red Cross. Philanthropists and community champions Swanee and Paul DiMare will be honored with the Centennial Humanitarian Award at the event.
“The American Red Cross is one of the longest established organizations in our Magic City and has been there to provide relief and comfort to families and individuals in times of need,” said Board Chair Julia Rea Bianchi, “This is a milestone year, and we are proud to recognize and honor the DiMares and Past Ball Chairs who have been critical to helping us make a lasting impact in our community, as well as embodying the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross.”
This year’s event will take guests on a trip back in time through the past hundred years. The historical narrative of the American Red Cross’ presence in our community will come to life through vintage photos and the testimonials of those the organization has served during its tenure. The Centennial Celebration Ball will raise funds for the American Red Cross’ disaster preparedness, response and recovery programs and services, continuing its tradition and commitment to Greater Miami & The Keys.
Guests attending the Centennial Ball will dine and dance to the music of Soul Survivors amidst spectacular decor provided by Deco Productions with flowers donated by Galeria Farms. The evening’s program and auction will feature video produced by Multivision Video & Film, and items that include an Oceania cruise, a Celebrity cruise and a box suite, donated by Motorola, to the Bruno Mars concert at the American Airlines Arena, among dozens of other fabulous items. At evening’s end, The American Red Cross’ Greater Miami & The Keys Chapter will partner with Repeat Roses, an eco-friendly company that collects and repurposes florals from events and delivers them to those in need. The gala flowers will be restyled and arranged overnight and delivered to the Miami VA Hospital the next morning by ball committee members.
“We are proud to have served our neighbors in Greater Miami and The Keys for 100 years,” said Chair Mimi Shafey. Almost everyone has been touched by the Red Cross in one way or another. If you assisted others during times of disaster or served in the military, or if you have given or received blood, taken a swimming or first aid class, been involved with fire prevention campaigns, you are part of the Red Cross. and we hope you will help us celebrate at the Centennial Celebration Ball.”
Ball Committee members include: Maria Beguiristain, Trish Bell, Stacy Briggle, Paula Brocway, Betty Brody, Terry Buoniconti, Debbie Campbell, Brenda Nestor Castellano, Pamela W. Cole, Leatrice Damus, Linda Levy Goldberg, Mary Frances Irvin, Jean B. Jenkins, Elizabeth Johnson, Marile Lopez, Betty Lopez-Castro, Ginger Mead, Rita Michel, Maria Cristina Miranda, Jenny Parker, Jeanie Pfleger, Barbara Reese, Frances Sevilla-Sacasa, Kristine Wenzel, Rita Wilder and Michele Wiseheart.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support for families affected by disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that saves lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. For more information, visit www.RedCross.org. Sponsorship opportunities for the Centennial Celebration Ball are available by contacting Susan@EventuresMiami.com. To buy tickets, visit Tickets.
