International Red Cross Ball The ‘Vienna to Versailles’ Diamond Centennial celebrates an anniversary and the organization’s service.
Marjorie Merriweather Post, dressed as Marie Antoinette, was the founder of the International Red Cross Ball, which was held in her home -- Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach. (Photo courtesy of Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens)
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he International Red Cross Ball, the Diamond Centennial, “Vienna to Versailles,� a highly-anticipated charitable event and Palm Beach’s revered gala will be Saturday, February 4, 2017, at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, with Janet Cafaro as chairwoman. The Diamond Centennial celebrates the 60th anniversary of the ball and 100 years of Red Cross service in South Florida. “American Red Cross is so grateful for the incredible leadership and support of Janet Cafaro,� South Florida American Red Cross CEO Vivian Myers said. “Our mission is not possible without the generous patronage of our donors. Mrs. Cafaro’s leadership during this anniversary celebration has been wonderful and we are so thankful for her time and dedication.� According to Cafaro, the Diamond Centennial Ball will “recreate the excitement of the grand balls of Europe, the
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exuberance of the Riviera and the elegance of Princess Grace of Monaco’s ‘Bal de la Croix-Rouge.’ “I am so fortunate to have two very seasoned and capable co-chairs in Patrick Park and Patty Myura, both adding their expertise and enthusiasm to this very special event.â€? Founded by Post Cereal Company heir and socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post, the International Red Cross Ball began in an effort to bring New York style philanthropy and excitement to Palm Beach. The annual white-tie, tails, tiaras and decorations ball has become an international event, sparkling with celebrities, dignitaries, politicians and philanthropists from all over the world. Longtime Palm Beach socialite and Red Cross supporter HermĂŠ de Wyman Miro, who has attended many of the International Balls over the years, says that Cafaro’s leadership and exquisite taste will transform
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
2017 ball chairwoman Janet Cafaro
the Mar-a-Lago Club ballroom to take guests “back in time to an era of gilded elegance found only in famous European palace ballrooms.� An unforgettable evening awaits guests as the magnificence of the visually-stunning and memorable event transports them to the romantic and magical era of old-world Europe. ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-forprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit Twitter at @RedCross.
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