Palm Beach Society: International Red Cross Ball marks 63rd year with record-breaking gala
All the protocol and pomp a person could want ―and then some ― was to be had at the 63rd International Red Cross Ball .
The ambassadors. The Marine Corps color guard. The diplomatic receiving line. The presentation of the foreign dignitaries, accompanied by classical march music. Just like the old days.
Almost.
Like everything else in this post-pandemic world, the Grande Dame of the social calendar has cut back a bit on the rouge.
There were few tiaras to be seen, but there was still plenty of serious jewelry, all of it real. (OK, most of it. Insurance companies still get the last word on whether the good stuff can be dragged out of the vault.) "White tie" has morphed into "white dinner jacket," which disturbs the biddies to no end.
Personally, we like it. This is a sub-tropical resort, after all, and nothing says non-toxic masculinity like Rick Blaine.
More Palm Beach society news here.
Charles and Amanda Schumacher were chairman and chairwoman for the event, which took place Jan. 6 and celebrated the work of the American Red Cross and its historic partnership with the U.S. Armed Forces.
"Because of our supporters and attendees," said the chairwoman, "we are raising critical funds to further the mission of the Red Cross in supporting members of the U.S. military, veterans and a long list of life-saving programs that will make our community safer.”
In addition to the traditional receiving line with ambassadors from Azerbaijan, Estonia, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova and Tanzania, the evening included a cocktail reception, dinner and remarks from keynote speaker, retired Army Maj. Gen. Robert Dees.
Dees spoke from the heart about his firsthand experience with the American Red Cross and the organization’s continued support of the nation’s military. Dees also endeared himself to every woman in the room with his loving shout-out to his missus, Kathleen.
The evening continued with dessert and dancing.
Co-chairs for the evening were Amy and Bret Baier, Amanda and Anthony Cummings, Heather Henry, Talbot Maxey, Rick Pollock and Wilder and Jason Regalbuto.
Visiting ambassadors included H.E. Viorel Ursu of Moldova and Maxim Anmeghichean; H.E. Elsie Kanza of Tanzania; H.E. Audra Plepyté of Lithuania; H.E. Maris Selga of Latvia and Marika Selga; AH.E. Ilir Dugolli of Kosovo and Ardita Statovci; H.E. Szabolcs Takács of Hungary and Emese Gaal; H.E. Kristjan Prikk of Estonia and Liis Prikk; and H.E. Khazar Ibrahim of Azerbijan and Zumrud Ibrahim.
The International ambassador chairman was Hungarian ambassador Takács. The U.S. ambassador chairwoman was the Hon. Carla Sands.
Serving as honorary chairs were Veronica Atkins, Paula Butler, Rhonda and Clifford Fischer and Ambassador Bonnie McElveen-Hunter.
More than 400 people attended.
Proceeds from the night ― a record-breaking $1.75 million ― will help fund Red Cross programs for veterans, U.S. military personnel and disaster relief programs locally and nationally.
The 64th International Red Cross Ball will be held on Jan. 10, 2025, at The Breakers.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: International Red Cross Ball raises record $1.75 million
