PALM BEACH, Fla. (February 17,
2011) — The 54th
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 54th
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. 4th 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.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters,
feeds and provides emotional support
to victims of disasters; teaches
lifesaving skills; provides
international humanitarian aid; and
supports military members and their
families. The Red Cross is a
charitable organization — not a
government agency — and depends on
volunteers and the generosity of the
American public to perform its
mission. For more information,
please visit
www.pbtcredcross.org.