It’s known as one of the most prestigious events of the Miami society season and this year did not disappoint! A group of socially prominent women volunteers started this annual ball in 1982 and their tradition continues today with a committee of leaders who work tirelessly to support and deliver the American Red Cross mission. This year’s ball was chaired by Linda Levy Goldberg and Sid Goldberg and held at the beautiful Ritz Carlton on Key Biscayne. Over 325 of Miami’s elite and from the worlds of society, business and the arts, attended to support the fundraising event focused on building awareness to help the South Florida community prevent and prepare for disaster.
What adds to the glam factor at this ball is that most of the ladies who attend, dress in red. It’s a tradition that’s fabulous, especially with so many galas awash in a sea of black gowns. The entertainment included an impressive color guard by the JROTC from G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School and the national anthem sung by renowned mezzo-soprano Amanda Crider. Many special items were featured in the silent auction, such as a painting valued at $16,000, donated by Argentine artist Alejandro Vigilante (who flew back from Venice, Italy to attend the ball); a $4500 trip to Alaska on Celebrity and an exquisite pearl and diamond necklace worth $5,700 from Yvel.
The bar was sponsored by Bacardi USA and Dobel Tequila, the prosecco by the Dall’Armellina vineyards. Petal Productions created a magical ambiance in the ballroom with table centerpieces made of tall sprays of fresh cherry blossoms surrounded by red roses and white votive candles. The Steve Chase Band kept everyone dancing late into the night, then DJ Coco kicked in for the after party.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The fire preparedness program is trying to cut down deaths by fire by 25% by teaching simple things for people to learn fire prevention and installing smoke alarms in under-served neighborhoods.
For more information, please visit redcross.org/southflorida or cruzrojaamericana.org or on Twitter at @SFLRedCross
PHOTOS: ZOLTAN PREPSZENT
