GREENVILLE, SC, March 21, 2026 –Hundreds of guests assembled for the 34th annual Red Cross Gala – last Saturday. For three decades, the American Red Cross has hosted this much-anticipated event, raising funds for the South Carolina Region and our lifesaving mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.

Guests and sponsors were overjoyed to be back at their favorite event of the year and responded by giving generously during the "fund-a-need" portion of the event and the live and silent auctions. The Red Cross Gala raised an impressive $400,000 to carry out the mission of the American Red Cross.

"We're grateful to see once again our friends and fellow humanitarians coming together in the name of service to our communities," said Susan Everitt, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross of South Carolina. "The energy and excitement in the room of generous donors was moving. No one understands this fact more than the Red Cross volunteers who meet with families following a devastating disaster. Everyone who supported the gala is helping to ensure our lifesaving, humanitarian work continues."

34th Red Cross Gala highlights:

• A moving message from General Bob Livingtson, who emphasized that the American Red Cross is a vital lifeline for both military families and patients nationwide. Providing critical support in moments of crisis and saving lives every day through our blood services.
• Laura Basta, Chair of the Eastern Chapter for the Red Cross of South Carolina, and site Vice President at Duke Energy’s Robinson Nuclear Plant. Laura shared the American Red Cross’s life‑saving impact through emergency response, volunteer‑driven disaster relief, year‑round preparedness, and emphasizing it’s unique role in supporting communities before, during, and after disasters.
• Ebony Sullivan, Chair of the Upstate Chapter for the Red Cross of South Carolina and Chief Operating Officer at Cassy Electric. Ebony highlighted the American Red Cross’s critical work in preventing home‑fire tragedies and responding to disasters across South Carolina, while recognizing the essential partnership of emergency managers and fire chiefs in saving lives and protecting families.
• An exciting live auction inspired several donors to step up in a big way by offering the most popular items up for bid multiple times.

The American Red Cross of South Carolina extends a heartfelt thank you to all our guests, sponsors, generous donors, local businesses, regional and national vendors, event speakers, Red Cross board members, staff, volunteers, and a host of others who contributed to the event's success.

34th Red Cross Gala Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsors: Chris & Paula Marsh, Fluor

Gold Sponsors: Bob DiBela & Carol Savage, Milliken, Dynapac, Mitsubishi Chemical Group, Gregory Electric Company, Spinx

Bronze Sponsors: Abacus Planning Group, AFL, Auro Hotels, Brian & Amy Hamil, BMW Group-Spartanburg Plant, Brian & Amy Hamil, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, Hilton Greenville, Jimmy & Marsha Gibbs, Paul Davis Restoration of Greenville, Prisma Health, Robert E. Ianaurio, Attorney & Counselor, Shealy Truck Centers, Solvent Capital Investments, Southern Crown Partners, Wagner Wealth Management

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 or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCrossSC.