The Tribune

By LESH

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

UNDER THE theme “ Rhapsody in Blue,” The Bahamas Red Cross Society will present its 42nd Annual Red Cross Ball on Saturday.

The black tie affair will be held at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort, formally known as the Sheraton.

Cocktails start at 7 pm, with a dinner extravaganza following at 8 pm.

Devin Peet, a member of the Red Cross Ball Committee said the ball represents the start of the Red Cross fund-raising year.

“The ball is featuring Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, which is actually one of Motown’s most famous acts. They were in the era of big name stars like the Temptations and Diana Ross. We have the rare opportunity to have them perform in the Bahamas for the very first time,” said Mr Peet.

Once the group accepted the committee’s invitation to perform, Mr Peet said this inspired the ball’s theme, “Rhapsody in Blue.”

“This will be a red carpet event, so every guest that arrives will have the opportunity to walk the carpet where there will be photo opportunities. Once you enter the ball there is a cocktail hour where you will enjoy the Police Pop Band,” said Mr Peet.

He said the Lou Adams Orchestra will also perform during dinner. Just after dinner, the guests will be entertained by the featured artists.

“Also, you will dance the night away to the sounds of the Tingum Dem Band. They are awesome and you will enjoy. They are going to rock it hard, but there will also be a live deejay after that. It is an evening packed with entertainment,” said Mr Peet.

With the funds raised from the ball going towards the work of the Red Cross Society, Mr Peet said events like this are essential to the organisation’s growth.

“This is one of the events that allows the community to give back to the Red Cross while having an enjoyable evening out. You have an opportunity to party with a purpose, which is something we believe in. I think socially, this is really the beginning black tie event of the social calendar. We are the longest running ball with 42 editions that attract Nassau’s elite. The ball itself has been modified. It has now become bigger and better. Our ball has four live bands in one night, which is remarkable. We have the best sound, the best lighting,” said Mr Peet.

Each year, Mr Peet said they try to remain relevant by updating their decor and seeking the best entertainment, both locally and internationally. It’s a lot of work to make it a magical evening, he said.

Caroline Turnquest, director general of the Bahamas Red Cross Society reiterated Mr Peet’s statement saying the ball is extremely important because it is all about fund-raising.

“We are not government owned; it’s independent. So we have to raise funds to ensure that our programs are kept running. We also have operational expenses,” she said.

One of the main programs put on by the Bahamas Red Cross Society is the “ Meals on Wheels” program.

“We send meals out five days a week. We have about 90 persons that we send these meals do. We have an after school mentoring program. We also assist persons that walk in looking for help with food. We do CPR training, and I think we are most known to assist in disasters: hurricanes and fires. We do detention centre visits and assist with refugees. We have a junior Red Cross program in 22 schools,” said Ms Turnquest.

Due to the down turn in the economy, Ms Turnquest said they have seen donations drop over the years. She said at one time, the Bahamas Red Cross Society was able to do more. “We used to have cleaning services, care for the elderly, but over the years these programs have dwindled,” she said.

After the ball, Ms Turnquest said they will be preparing for their very popular Red Cross Fair which is being held on March 29 at Government House Grounds. “We have the raffle which will come at the end of this month, and we also have what we call our annual membership renewals,” she said.