RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Events

Looking Forward to The Red Ball

In some ways, the Red Ball, a gala event sponsored by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Red Cross, is as old fashioned as the Red Cross itself. It takes place in the architecturally stunning Please

Touch Museum, a carefully preserved monument to Philadelphia’s Beaux-Arts heyday. Guests wear their finest party clothes, as they would have 100 years ago. There is fantastic food from

Philadelphia’s best chefs and dancing to live music. And there is profound sense of community: We come together to support the work of the Red Cross in our City of Brotherly Love because it embodies our most deeply held values. It’s a really special event.

That said, let’s talk about the clothes! How often is there an occasion for a fabulous full length ball gown? What about those incredibly sharp tuxedos with the red satin cummerbund and bow tie? Still yearning to make up for that disappointing prom dress? Now is your chance. Treat yourself to some amazing attire. And guys, this is a formal occasion. Show your date, and the cause, some respect and look in an actual tuxedo. And don’t borrow Dad’s from the 70s. Stop by Black Tie Philadelphia. You’ll be amazed at how comfortable you are in one that actually fits.

What’s the point in looking incredibly good, if there’s not a way to show off? The Red Ball has its own Red Carpet, and as soon as you place your foot upon it make sure to prepare for your Joan Rivers interview because that’s how stunning you’ll look. Professional photographers will be there to take a picture of your date, your mate, your friends and anyone else in your entourage. Check out some of the fun and finery from last year’s ball here.

Did you know the Red Ball is a place where skilled chefs compete for your approval? They display their comestibles at several tables near the dance floor, and guests have the opportunity to sample, enjoy, and vote for the best by placing a special token in a box by each chef’s table. If you are a chef or restaurant representative and would like to be involved, check out this restaurant brochure. In the VIP room, fine Italian cuisine will be provided by Catelli Duo. At the end of the evening, the winner of the Red Ball Restaurant Award is announced.

The Red Ball’s Auction and Raffle prize selection will include fitness, beauty, and entertainment packages galore! It’s so satisfying to take home a prize to remember the evening and know you supported a great cause – especially if the prize is something fun like tickets to a local sporting event or a massage at an excellent spa.

Dance the night away at the 2014 Red Ball with the CTO Band. Since our very first Red Ball, the CTO Band has kept the dance floor moving. For those who enjoy softer jazz, George Veasley will return to play the Carousel Room and the ride will be open to Main Event guests. The VIP room will feature not one but two dueling pianists providing light background music.

March is a great time of year for a party. Not only is spring on the way but March is also Red Cross Month. It is a time to recognize the efforts of our volunteers and staff and honor the roll of the Red Cross in our community. The Red Ball is a party with an essential purpose: It raises money for the Red Cross House and directly impacts the lives of those who have suffered devastating loss and who benefit from the kindness and generosity of our donors.

January 28, 2014
Lions and Tigers and Bears. Walk or Run for a Great Cause!

On your mark, get set, GO!! . . .over to the Philadelphia Zoo on Saturday Morning October 5^th for the annual Red Cross Walk/Run! The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania hosts this crazy fun event to honor the thousands of heroes who help others in an emergency.

Officially referred to as the Red Cross Walk and Run to Save Lives, the walk/run is a 5K event that will take participants around and through the fantastic Philadelphia Zoo. Along the route, there will be water stations and motivational cheering sections. There will even be benches for those who need to rest every now and then.

You can join the event as an individual, or even better, as a team. All you need is two or more classmates, co-workers, family members or friends to receive a kit filled with ideas about how to prepare for the event. Some teams have corporate sponsorship and raise enormous amounts of money. Mere mortals might ask friends to match their donation. Prizes will be awarded for the top three individual fundraisers, as well as the top fundraising team and the top fundraising school.

Don’t be intimidated by the word run. Participants can move through the course at whatever speed works best. If that means running, shuffling, toddling or veering off course because of a bad case of hippo amazement, we welcome the effort.

That said, the top male and female finishers will win prize money with $250 dollars going to first place, $150 to second place, and $75 to third. Also, awards will be given to the top male and female finishers in the following age groups: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and older.

Here’s why you should come: Have you ever waved to a giraffe in the midst of your everyday exercise routine? Have you ever passed a zebra? Have you ever stopped to admire a beautiful bird or felt swifter than a leopard? Ever felt superior to a sloth? There are so many fascinating things to see and do at the zoo; it would be hard to pay attention to walk/run itself.

This is a perfect outing for young families. Get out of the house and enjoy this amazing autumn weather; come and push a stroller or two around the zoo for the Red Cross. Participants are invited to stay and enjoy the zoo for as long as they wish after the race.

In addition to the animals, large and furry Fred Cross and Ernie the ERV will be on hand to play with little ones. No longer parenting little ones? The race is a great opportunity to reconnect with a teenage. You’ll both be facing forward, so conversation should be easy. Sadly, pets are not allowed at the zoo… but there will be plenty of animals there to keep you company along the route.

The Walk and Run helps to raise funds for Red Cross House and local families left homeless by a fire, flood, or other disaster. It supports programs and services to help our community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. People are invited to “participate in honor of the hero who saved your life, a family member’s, or a friend’s – to honor the thousands of heroes who, trained by the Red Cross, are ready to help save your life.” The Red Cross would like to extend its gratitude to participants who make it possible to answer the call for help, one family at a time, whenever and wherever disaster strikes.

Blog posted by Communications Volunteer Sarah Peterson.

September 24, 2013
You are the Favorite at the Annual Red Cross Cup
Basking in the glow of the U.S. Open that got the entire area excited about golf?

Here’s your chance to get a taste of what Tiger, Rory, and Phil get to enjoy.

Whether you play golf often or your game is of the miniature variety, at the 11th Annual Red Cross Cup on June 24 at Waynesborough Country Club hosted by the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Plenty to do, great people to meet, bucolic PGA Tour Championship golf course setting, beautiful surroundings… your win is just a swing away.

For players, the tournament format is a shamble (Best drive – three drives per player). Traditional tournament competitions such as Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and the Hole in One Challenge will also take place for awards and bragging rights. For observers, there’s full access to club facilities, lunch, a silent auction and a dinner and awards reception in the evening.

Be A Part of the 2013 Red Cross Cup on June 24
Just a few days away, the success of special events, like the Red Cross Cup, is directly attributed to the generosity of our event sponsors. You are our 5-to-1 favorite as soon as you register.

How You Help What We Do
The American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania relies on individual, corporate and foundation support to help provide compassionate care for nearly 4 million people in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties.

Our network of generous donors, volunteers and employees share a mission of preventing and relieving suffering, here at home and around the world, through five key service areas. In 2011-2012, our chapter:
- Responded to 733 disasters, including 677 fires; Housed 945 people, including 347 children – for an average 3-week stay – at Red Cross House
- Supported 1,077 of America’s military families by providing 1,747 Services
- Lifesaving blood supplier
- Health & Safety Courses: Trained 113,355 participants in lifesaving techniques
- As part of international humanitarian network, Traced 15 Cases
- And much more!
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.

submitted by: Fran Lynch, volunteer
June 14, 2013
Country Singer Trace Adkins, the American Red Cross and the Maple Macadamia Mash Up

As the days get warmer, my thoughts turn to sweet summer treats like ice cream. Today, I tried a new flavor from the Walgreens Delish Brand called “Maple Macadamia Mash Up” and it was delicious. I was in love after the first spoonful because the flavor combinations are amazing. Even though I only had a small cup just to try it, I immediately wanted more. Hours later, the delicious blend of Macadamia Nuts and Maple Syrup stayed with me, and I couldn’t wait to get back to Walgreens and buy out their freezer.

Before today, I didn’t know anything about this ice cream or its creator Trace Adkins. Trace is one of country music’s most versatile and accomplished entertainers and a contestant on Donald Trump’s All Star Celebrity Apprentice. This reality show, currently in its 13^th season, has brought back 14 popular, business-savvy, celebrity contestants for a chance to raise money and awareness for the charity of their choice. The celebrity winner will have the honor of delivering a $250,000 bonus check to their designated charity. Trace Adkins is playing for the American Red Cross. Last year, while Adkins was away from home, his house caught fire and burned. The American Red Cross looked after wellbeing of his family during this crisis. Adkins feels deeply grateful to the Red Cross volunteers who were there for his family and he is proud to represent such a “noble” organization.

On the Sunday May 12^th episode of the show, Trace Adkins and his opponent Penn Jillette who are finalists, we asked to create a unique ice cream flavor for the Walgreen’s Delish Brand. In addition to creating an ice cream flavor, the contestants and their teams had to design the carton, create a 60 second promotional video, and sell tickets to a VIP event for their ice cream. Please support Trace Adkins and the American Red Cross by buying Maple Macadamia Mash-Up Ice Cream. You can also tune in on Sunday May 19^th and watch the live Season Finale of All Star Celebrity Apprentice to see who wins. Based on his ice cream, I’d say Trace Adkins has this one in the bag.

— Submitted by SEPA Red Cross Communications Volunteer Jennifer Ingram

May 16, 2013
Red Ball Review

The party was fantastic! The Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania once again proved to be a wonderful host to the 1,200 people who chose to attend this year’s 13^th annual Red Ball and support Red Cross House. Altogether, they helped us raise more than $400,000, breaking the record for the most money raised for a single day SEPA Chapter event. We will use this money to continue to provide shelter, food, care and necessities to those who have lost their homes to disaster.

Once again, the Please Touch Museum proved to be the perfect venue for our “red tie gala”. My role was to greet partygoers as they arrived to have their pictures taken in front of our Red Cross banner and, I was lucky to be working with our wonderful volunteer photographer, Michelle, who made an effort to make every photograph a great one. Everyone looked fabulous and I especially appreciated several red silk vests adding flare to the classic tuxedo attire of certain gentlemen. Many party goers expressed their admiration for the work of The Red Cross and their pleasure in supporting the work of Red Cross House.

I arrived at 4:30 to help set up. For those who have never witnessed the planning and staging that goes on to prepare to host 1,200 people, please understand that it takes a small army of willing, able and energetic workers to carry it off. Last year, I was amazed by the dedication of our volunteers and my opinion has not changed: What a fantastic group of people. Many of our volunteers were working so hard throughout the evening that they missed a few things, like a taste of the seafood at this year’s restaurant winner, Devon Seafood’s table. However, we did try hard to give each other breaks so that we had a chance to wander through the party and enjoy the atmosphere. I sampled many delicious foods during my own short break and may have gotten a little carried away at one of the cupcake stands. I’m very passionate about cupcakes.

Never mind. . .it’s important to note that the VIP Lounge had the lower floor all to itself and, while VIP party goers had full access to the rocking party upstairs, downstairs they enjoyed a quieter atmosphere of mellow jazz from artist Gerald Veasley, soft lighting and incredible food from Chef Daniel Stern of R2L. I thought this worked very well. There was plenty of space for the main event party goers to spread out and enjoy themselves, and their access to the carousel added to their enjoyment of the evening. In addition to the food and the music, demonstrations by professional dancers added elegance and sophistication to an already spectacular event.

Red Cross House furniture, set up at both entrances, reminded our guests of the why we are so grateful for their support of our work at Red Cross House. All proceeds from The Red Ball directly benefit the House, SEPA Chapter’s one-of-a-kind short-term housing facility in University City where hundreds of local families every year begin their recovery from fires, floods, and other disasters.

Several local blogs and news organizations posted photos and news about The Red Ball. Feel free to explore some of the links below.

http://blogs.phillymag.com/the_philly_post/2013/03/11/american-red-cross-red-ball-2013-photos/

http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/photo-galleries/2013/03/10/the-red-ball/#photo-385768

http://philly.happeningmag.com/centercity/2012-red-ball-recap

http://www.thehousewifediaries.com/2013_03_01_archive.html

http://www.phillytrib.com/outandabout/item/8130-13th-annual-american-red-cross-ball-a-success.html

http://phillystylemag.com/galleries/red-ball-1

March 14, 2013
Top 20 Accomplishments is finally here: A Look Behind the Scenes

Each year, the public affairs department of the Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) makes a list of our “Top 20 Accomplishments” in order to take stock of our activities in the prior year and to let our friends know we have fulfilled our mission to the best of our ability. Funny thing about this list – it rarely appears in early January when one might expect to see it. Why? Because we’re often a little busy.

Our most important work, helping those who face disasters, always comes first. The #1 accomplishment on the list mentions Superstorm Sandy, the enormous hurricane that hit the East Coast in early November. During and in the wake of such a serious event, our small public affairs department went into overdrive to share important information with the public about preparedness, explain what SEPA is doing to support our community’s response to the storm and jumpstart our fundraising efforts. Just when we’d got a handle on all that, it was the depth of winter, a time when the Philadelphia region is plagued by fire disasters that keep us on our toes.

So here we are, on February 21, 2013, ready to share and celebrate our 2012 accomplishments with a marvelous multi-media presentation! As we do every year, we printed a booklet with photographs and in-depth explanations of our activities throughout the year. (here’s the Top20_2012_Final) In addition, as part of our digital and social media efforts, we will devote a part of our website to displaying a digital version of our booklet and, for the first time ever, a video display of the many ways we achieved the goals of our mission. Dear Reader, please click on this link to experience our moment of reflection in a wholly new and exciting way. I watched it this morning and I was amazed, captivated and utterly floored by its power to convey our message.

Like our mission itself, the video is a testimony to working together to achieve a goal. The SEPA public affairs team consists of our fearless leader, Dave Schrader and his tireless communications specialist, Sara Smith. The rest of us are volunteers who wander in and out throughout each week, contributing as best we can. I think all viewers will agree that our intrepid video interns, Michelle Davies and Kareem Bazali, did a fantastic job of putting the video together. The fades to black and white were Sara’s brainchild, informed by her background in TV, and she curated the beautiful photos. I did some shaping of the language in both the booklet and the video. Dave was the mastermind behind the list itself and a wise producer and director of all our efforts.

We are extremely pleased with our final Top 20 compilation and gratified by our role in sharing the SEPA story with donors, volunteers and friends. But we are proudest of the work itself — SEPA’s ongoing efforts to alleviate suffering and create a more humane, caring and just world.

– Submitted by Sarah Peterson, public affairs volunteer

February 21, 2013
Bring Your Kid to Work Day

We do inspiring work here at the Red Cross SEPA chapter. We spend our days helping others in need and according to our colleague, Terry Johnson, it’s “the best job in the world.”

Several Red Cross employees had the opportunity to explain the fulfillment that comes from doing “our kind of work” to several children who visited the office of the SEPA chapter for national “Take your Child to Work Day.” Upon arrival, they were greeted by Fred Cross and fed a delicious, “office kitchen” cooked breakfast of eggs, French toast and bacon. Our CEO, Judge Hughes came in toward the end of the meal and gave an enthusiastic welcome to all participants.

Next on the agenda was a tour around the building with Kevin Wilkins and Dianne Fingar. After a quick visit to Judge Hughes’s office, the kids toured The Bridge and learned about disaster response. The red phone, our direct line to the Philadelphia Fire Department was an object of fascination and served to emphasize the importance of our role in responding to fire disasters in our community. Next, the kids examined the detailed (and extremely fascinating) maps of the region on the wall next to The Bridge and learned which areas are subject to floods during heavy rain. After a short tour of the lunchroom, they received official Red Cross volunteer vests, worn by responders in emergencies. Dianne explained the purpose of Red Cross house and how the SEPA Red Cross is proud to provide a shelter for fire victims who do not have another place to stay.

Eventually, we found our way down to the vehicle well and the young people inspected a few emergency vehicles and heard which ones respond in different disaster situations. Terry Johnson proved an excellent guide and fervent promoter of the emergency responder role. He was proud of the ERV fleet and it’s capacity to provide essentials to those who have lost everything. We learned that the Red Cross has 30,000 cots for disaster response in our region. Amazing!

Later, the kids joked and laughed at a pizza lunch with Judge Hughes. She quizzed our visitors about favorite sports teams and was shocked to discover that allegiance to our home town teams was not as strong as she assumed. One brave twelve year old, Ricardo, stood firm in his loyalty to The Raiders despite her teasing. Sixteen year old, Lawrence, talked about his experience as a volunteer fire fighter, and Linda, 14, showed everyone a picture of her bass guitar, which is shaped like a daisy. Everyone agreed it was very cool.

One of the most moving scenes of the day was watching the kids learn how to provide citizen CPR, basic first aid. They tried very hard to get it right as they practiced creating a basic sling and bandaging one another. It was a reminder of how everyone, young and old, appreciates learning how to be useful in a time of need.

April 27, 2012
Run or Walk with the Red Cross Saturday April 21st

Heads Up Loyal Red Cross Event Aficionados! There is a fantastic event that demands your presence!

Several hundred people will step up and step out on April 21, 2012 – this Saturday — for the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Chapter’s 10th Annual Red Cross Walk and Run to Save Lives. The Walk and Run helps to raise funds for Red Cross House and local families left homeless by a fire, flood, or other disaster.

The 5K Walk and Run will begin in front of Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park and wind through the scenic park, taking walkers past the Japanese Tea Garden and the Horticulture Center. Individuals, businesses, organizations, groups are very welcome! More importantly, the event is dog friendly, so participants are welcome to bring their dogs. There’s even a special dog tent with giveaways for the dozens of pooches that take part.

Registration begins at 7 a.m., warm-up at 8 a.m., and the Walk/Run starts at 8:30 a.m. Participants should register in advance online at http://www.redcrosswalkandrun.org. The web site features a “My Walk/Run Site,” Here, participants can set up a personalized page to support the Red Cross, find a group to join and learn more about each registered team. Donations to the Walk and Run are accepted until April 30th.

Proceeds from the Walk and Run benefit local disaster relief and Red Cross House, SEPA Chapter’s one-of-a-kind short term residence for disaster victims.

For more information, call 215-405-8888 or visit www.redcrosswalkandrun.org.

April 19, 2012
Breakfast of Champions!

One thing I love about working at the Red Cross’s Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter is the sense of community spirit. After what can only be called, in families with teenage sons parlance, a “rough morning”, my arrival at work was greeted with a cheerful invitation to “come down to breakfast!”

Perhaps you were unaware, but here at the Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania, we are looking forward to the Red Cross Walk and Run to Save Lives on Saturday, April 21! This is an annual fundraiser that invites members of our community to walk slowly, walk faster, run fast, run slowly, sprint, run with a dog, walk with a dog, walk with assistance, roll, push a stroller or boogie across our 5K finish line! Don’t be shy! Try wearing tiny red running shorts – or anything red, for that matter and show your solidarity.

Many enterprising individuals form fundraising teams, which is how I ended up invited to a fantastic breakfast. Team “ES Faster than Disaster,” held a breakfast fundraiser this morning at chapter headquarters. The menu included pancakes, scrambled eggs, and turkey and beef sausages. There was even a French toast line for my more patient colleagues. For a mere fiver, I got all the pancakes, eggs and turkey sausages I could consume in a single sitting! The best part is that it goes straight to (my hips) disaster relief!

Other teams are initiating their own methods of money extraction. Apparently, our Volunteer Administration Department has morphed into the Fast and Fabulous team. They are sponsoring a General Store and Vintage Photo Booth. Hard working Red Cross team members can have their photos taken wearing the Red Cross paraphernalia of yesteryear. A recently received email invites us to shop the General Store for everything from Bonsai plants to hipster dresses. Who could refuse? Not to be outdone, our Financial Development team is providing a singing telegram service. I’ve heard some of those folks can really croon.

The Red Cross invites you to be creative in your own workplace. Organize some office bonding for a great cause and then invite everyone to come out on April 21^st and propel their bodies in any way they please at the Red Cross Walk and Run to Save Lives.

It’s important to mention that being part of a team is not required. If you are your “own dog” like my teenager, sign up as an individual and come join the fun. Even if you’re just hearing about it now there’s still time to sign up! Check out this page for more information.

April 12, 2012