PALM BEACH, Fla. (February 17, 2011) — The 54^th International Red Cross Ball welcomed distinguished guests and American Red Cross supporters from around to world, including special guest Her Royal Highness Princess Madeleine of Sweden, to The Mar-A-Lago Club on January 29, 2011.  With Ambassadors representing seven countries from around the world and a host of other dignitaries also in attendance, the event truly reflected the domestic and global efforts of the charitable organization. This year’s Red Cross Ball was Chaired by Michele Kessler, with Susan Keenan and Mary Mochary serving as Co-Chairwomen, Patrick Park as Honorary Chairman and Mrs. Florence A. De George as International Honorary Chairman.

“This year’s International Red Cross Ball welcomed dignitaries from across the nation and around the world to celebrate the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross.  The organization provides countless vital programs both locally and around the world, including the Measles Initiative, to which I am proud to serve as Global Ambassador,” said Michele Kessler, Chairman of the 54^th International Red Cross Ball.
 

Supporters were able to greet all of the visiting dignitaries, event chairs, and the Chairman of the National American Red Cross, Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, through a formal receiving line. Guests mingled poolside, enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres before the sound of trumpeters signified the transition into the Grand Ballroom.  Once inside, the United States Marine Corps. 4^th ANGLICO conducted a formal presentation of the colors, followed by introductions of all distinguished guests.  Once all were seated, a formal welcome was given by Chairman Michele Kessler and National American Red Cross Chairman, Bonnie McElveen-Hunter.  Jimmy Vali provided enchanting music as guests dined in the splendid ballroom and Vic Damone wooed the crowd with romantic tunes post-dinner, which inspired people to take to the dance floor. Everyone danced well into the night.

The International Red Cross Ball provides a yearly opportunity for guests from across the globe to support the American Red Cross, including the organizations emergency preparedness and disaster relief efforts across the world. Notably, the distinguished ambassadors in attendance included Ambassador of Liechtenstein Claudia Fritsche, Ambassador of Monaco and Mrs. Gilles Noghes, Ambassador of Mexico and Mrs. Arturo Sarukhan, Ambassador of Netherlands Renee Jones-Bos and Dr. Richard Jones-Bos, Ambassador of Barbados and Mrs. John Beale, Ambassador of South Africa and Mrs. Ebrahim Rasool and Ambassador of Hungary Gyorgy Szapary.

This year’s sponsors include UBS Private Wealth Management, benefactor of the Ambassadors’ Dinner. Grand Corporate Patrons of the Ball included Microsoft, A.R.T Worth Avenue, Gunster, Braman Motorcars, Neiman Marcus and Hoffman’s Chocolates.

Guests included Ambassador and Mrs. Stuart Bernstein; The Honorable Nancy Brinker and Mr. Howard Bernick; Mr. and Mrs. James Bronstien; Mr. and Mrs. Vince Cerone; Mr. and Mrs. David Chase; Mrs. Herme De Wyman Miro; Mr. and Mrs. Mark Freitas; Mr. and Mrs. James Keenan; Mr. and Mrs. Howard Kessler; Sir Geoffrey and Lady Leigh; Senator and Mrs. George LeMieux; Mr. and Mrs. George Lichtblau; The Honorable and Mrs. Per-Olof Loof; Ambassador Bonnie McElveen-Hunter; Mr. and Mrs. K. Alexis Mersentes; The Honorable Mary Mochary and Dr. Philip Wine; Senator and Mrs. Bill Nelson; Mr. Patrick Park and Ms. Nathalie Fernandez; Mrs. Abby Patni; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pilotte; Mrs. Lois Pope; Mr. and Mrs. William Rollnick; Congressman and Mrs. Edward Royce; Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Sylvia; Mr. and Mrs. Dominick Telesco; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Tomsich; Mr. Donald Trump and Mr. Rob Levine.

For more information about the American Red Cross visit
www.pbtcredcross.org  or call 561-833-7711.

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