The Tribune

THE Committee for the 46th Annual Red Cross Ball has announced that planning is underway for the signature formal event of the 2018 calendar.

Under the patronage of Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling, the ball will be held Saturday, January 27, 2018, at 7pm at the Baha Mar Convention Centre.

The ball is the Bahamas Red Cross' largest annual benefit and has provided considerable funding to assist the society in fulfilling its mandate of "alleviating human suffering wherever it may be found".

"Over the past three years, there has been varying levels of devastation experienced in The Bahamas be it from natural disasters or economic fallout," said Craig Tony Gomez, president of the Bahamas Red Cross Society. "As a result, the doors of the Bahamas Red Cross have been open and used as refuge and resource for many more persons across the archipelago, and in some instances for extended periods. The proceeds from the Ball go directly to those in greatest need."

It was this very reason that the committee selected Code Red as its theme.

"While the mood of the evening will be festive and celebratory, we thought it necessary to couple that with the more serious, emergency response role the Bahamas Red Cross plays and the all-hands-on-deck approach we make," said Caroline Turnquest, director general of the Bahamas Red Cross Society.

Guests will be soothed by the sounds of the Lou Adams Orchestra and dance the night away with the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band and Visage Band. Patrons will bid on luxury travel items including airfare, resort packages, excursions and fine dining in hopes of winning the opportunity to visit destinations in The Bahamas, all part of the 'staycation' themed silent auction.

"We're looking to corporate Bahamas to show their usual support and our aim is to make this an oversold event," said Cyndi Williams-Rahming, board member, fundraising and ball committee chair.

Tickets for this black-tie event are $275. Those wishing to purchase platinum, gold or general tables, may contact the Bahamas Red Cross Society on JFK Drive at 323-7370.