On Saturday, Feb. 9, the Palm Beach & Martin Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross celebrated the 61st International Red Cross Ball at the newly-renovated Norton Musuem of Art in West Palm Beach, Fla.

This year’s Ball theme was “Salute to the Military” in honor of the longtime partnership between Red Cross and the Armed Forces. Many honored and distinguished guests gathered to pay tribute to members of the military and Gold Star Mothers – mothers who lost sons or daughters in military service.

Guest in attendance included Chairman of the National American Red Cross, Ambassador Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Distinguished Honorary Chairmen Four-Star General Richard B. Myers and his wife, Mary Jo Myers, ambassadors from Finland, Hungary, Japan, Jordan, Monaco, Morocco and Slovenia along with Gold Star Mothers and military service members.

“We are grateful to have the tremendous support of our local community and nationally to support our Red Cross mission and our partnership with the Armed Forces” said Jennifer Durrant, executive director of the Palm Beach & Martin Counties Chapter. This year’s Ball exceeded our expectations and raised significant funds to support vital lifesaving programs and services for the Red Cross.

More than 400 guests gathered to celebrate over 130 years of Red Cross support and service to the Armed Forces. The Ball focused on honoring those who served the country and the sacrifice their families make while they are deployed.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support for families affected by disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that saves lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.  For more information, visit redcross.org/southflorida or visit us on Facebook and Twitter at @SFLRedCross.

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