HUTCHINSON ISLAND, Florida/December 11, 2007 - The American Red Cross Martin County Chapter's 20 th Red Cross Ball has been declared a huge success. "This year, for our 20 th anniversary, everything about the Ball had an Asian theme," said Mary Sawyer, Executive Director, American Red Cross Martin County Chapter. "Everyone who attended said this year's Ball ranked as among the best ever," added Sawyer.
Once again this year, the Red Cross Ball was held at Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart. "We had approximately 200 attendees. Preliminary estimates are that the Red Cross Ball raised about $100,000 which will be used in Martin County for local Red Cross programs. We are very pleased," added Sawyer. Ball festivities included cocktails and hors d'oeuvres' followed by a delectable Asian meal, a silent auction, live auction, and dancing throughout the evening. Music was provided by Fifth Avenue.
"One of the highlights of the evening was the raffle for a ladies 18 karat white gold, diamond, ruby, and tsavorite bracelet valued at nearly $6,000, donated by Just Gold Jewelers," said Sawyer. Other prizes and silent auction items included a dream trip to London for two and five nights/six days accommodations; a Five Course Gourmet Dinner for 10 prepared in home by Chef Eric Grutka; a trip to Washington, D.C., with a tour of the Capitol, the White House, the Bureau of Engraving & Printing, and Library of Congress; and a fishing trip for four with Captain V.J. Bell onboard the world class Challenge sport fishing boat.
"Special thanks should go to our Red Cross Ball Committee for their untiring work to make this year's event such a success," said Sawyer. Members of the Committee included: Jocelyn Lane, Susan Blaisdell Bayless, Susan Dermarkarian, Kathi Barry, Sarah Woods, Dana Small, and Maria Vallecillo Dunn, Catherin Corson, Valerie Hellriegel, and Susan Kahlenberg.
Sponsors for the 20 th Annual Red Cross Ball included: Imperial Host - Martin Memorial Health Systems; Gold Sponsor- Big Five Tours. Pearl Sponsors- Ms. Barbara Trimble; Stryker Electrical; Seacoast National Bank; National City Bank; and Expert Shutter.
Underwriters included:
Red Lantern Underwriter (Cocktails) - Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Wall; Rice Paper Underwriter (Programs) - Rita Armstrong; Lucky Bamboo Underwriter (Auction) - Art & Mary Ann Davie.
"We send thanks to everyone who helped to make our 20 th anniversary event a huge success," concluded Sawyer. The Annual Red Cross Ball is the largest fundraiser of the year for the local Chapter.
Your Martin County Chapter of the American Red Cross is funded by local dollars. The chapter receives no federal, state, or local tax dollars to support its local operations. To donate your dollars or time, contact the American Red Cross Martin County Chapter at (772) 287-2002 or visit the Chapter headquarters at 2750 South Kanner Highway, Stuart, Florida, 34994