MIAMI, FLA., (JANUARY 17, 2024) – On Saturday, March 2, 2024, the Greater Miami & The Keys Chapter of the American Red Cross will host the 39^th Annual American Red Cross Ball & 4th Annual Party in Red at the JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami. This signature social fundraising event for the Red Cross will be chaired by Adriana Verdeja-Arango and her husband, Ignacio Arango, Esq.

At the event, the Red Cross will recognize Ryder System, Inc., a leading logistics and transportation company, with the Corporate Philanthropy Award for their decades of compassionate and generous humanitarian support in the face of disasters.

"We are delighted to honor Ryder with this award for their decades of incredible generosity and deep impact on our community," said Deborah Koch, executive director of the chapter. "Ryder understands the importance of strong partnerships in disaster response. Additionally, we are deeply grateful to Adriana and Ignacio for chairing this esteemed event."

"Support for the American Red Cross has been a priority for Ryder and the Ryder Charitable Foundation for more than 30 years," said Robert E. Sanchez, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Ryder System, Inc. "Decades ago, we saw firsthand how the Red Cross supports devastated communities when Miami-Dade County sustained a direct hit from Hurricane Andrew. That experience of working side-by-side with Red Cross leadership and volunteers to get the community back on its feet began what has become a critical part of our giving strategy."

Ryder and Ryder employees support and volunteer with the Red Cross both in South Florida and nationally. The company is a Disaster Responder member of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, a network of corporate sponsors. Since 1992, Ryder has provided more than $10 million in financial support, employee volunteers, and transportation assistance to the Red Cross for disaster relief services.

The evening will feature a cocktail reception, a silent auction, a tribute to the Corporate Philanthropy Award honoree and, of course, dinner and dancing to live music. 

Following the Ball, the 4^th Annual Party in Red will bring Miami's young professionals together for the official afterparty. Up-and-coming philanthropists and influencers can network with their peers and connect to the mission of the Red Cross while having a fun night out. Party in Red is chaired by Eric Milton, David Ferreira and Tannaz Nekoi, MD.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are on sale now for these not-to-be-missed events and can be purchased at redcross.org/RedCrossBallMiami. To learn more, contact Geishel Valverde at SouthFloridaRSVP@redcross.org or call (786) 914-4595.

All proceeds from the Red Cross Ball and Party in Red will benefit Red Cross preparedness, response and recovery programs and services in the community.

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/SouthFlorida or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Facebook or X at @SFLRedCross.