Red Ball photos by Jenny Farley, Dianne Heard, Konrad Jones, Katerina Luchinina, Bernadette Matthis and Tatiana Vlad. See more event photos in our Flickr album.
By Jenny Farley
The 22nd annual Red Ball, at Vie by Cescaphe, brought out a large crowd, excited to celebrate the work of the American Red Cross and the sponsors, volunteers and employees who make it possible to respond to disasters and rebuild lives.
Jennifer Graham, the CEO for the American Red Cross in Southeastern Pennsylvania, addressed Red Ball guests from the stage and spoke of the financial need that is present, with “large disasters happening more and more.”
She said, “During a year of record-breaking disasters, the American Red Cross was there and you helped us get there. Your support makes a difference in the lives of those affected.”
Each year the Red Ball is made possible by sponsors, including Title Sponsors AmeriHealth Caritas and Independence Blue Cross.
Lorina Marshall-Blake, the President of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation told Red Ball guests, “We share a belief in serving the community with compassion and respect just like the Red Cross. The Red Cross is there for us, all of us, in the most challenging times, and they help us see a brighter future.” At this, the crowd broke out into loud applause.
Tonya Moody, the Vice President of Title Sponsor AmeriHealth Caritas, said, “AmeriHealth Caritas is honored to support the American Red Cross Red Ball because it’s aligned with our mission to help people get care, stay well and build healthier communities.”
The Red Ball featured entertainment with a lively band and a thriving dance floor, and dishes that delighted foodies, including hors d’oeuvres, a sushi bar, seafood buffet, and a champagne tower with raspberries floating in the flutes.
Items displayed from a silent auction ranged from sports memorabilia, to an autographed guitar, as well as artwork featuring famous Philly landmarks.
Guest Kevan Phillips, who attended the Red Ball for the first time, soaked up the sights and smells at the Maduro Cigar Bar located on the venue’s outdoor patio.
“A bunch of beautiful people. Beautiful music. Beautiful food and drinks, and for the cause, it’s important. I love it,” he said.
Brandon Brown, who also hung out on the patio with the Maduro Cigar Club, appreciated getting the opportunity to dress up for a good cause.
He said, “If you look around, everybody in their devastating red, and their tuxedos and even their sneakers, it’s just people having a party for a purpose.”
Brandon said he supports the Red Cross mission of alleviating suffering.
“The Red Cross has always been the first people to respond and oftentimes it’s the water, it’s the blankets, it’s the food. Actually, it’s also the human contact,” that makes all the difference.
CEO Jennifer Graham reminded the crowd that the American Red Cross workforce is 90% volunteer. “Our volunteers bring help and hope everywhere they go,” she said.
Volunteers like Red Ball guest Joyce Gray, who has spent several years as a blood donor ambassador. She said her favorite thing is meeting people. “Seeing all the individuals who come in to donate their blood and how eager and energetic they are to do that.”
Ball guest Joyce Scott has volunteered at the Red Cross House for the past six months. “I love to help people. I love to try to be there for people at their lowest point. To help lift them up.”
Katie Fehlinger, the Red Ball Host and Emcee, gave the audience details about the Red Cross House, which is located in University City.
“It’s a disaster recovery center, a safe comfortable place where families stay together following a disaster like a home fire,” she said.
Holly Bi attended the Red Ball for the first time with her husband George. Hearing about the work of the Red Cross throughout the night had a profound impact on her.
“The footprint that they have and the amount of aid that they provide is just an amazing and enormous feat and something like tonight is very important so that they can continue helping out communities all over the world,” she said.
Jim Heaney attended the Red Ball with his wife, who works for Title Sponsor Independence Blue Cross. He said watching the event videos about the increasing number of catastrophes which require help from the Red Cross affected him.
“It’s all the more vital that supporters and volunteers chip in to help make sure that every families’ needs are met when those times do hit,” he said.
Thinking of attending the Red Ball next year? Jim’s parting message may inspire you. “This is my first year and it’s great. It’s a really great location. Nice outdoor space.
Beautiful weather. Lots of friendly people and all around a great evening.”
If you didn’t make it to the Red Ball this year, you can still donate to the Red Cross at redcross.org/donate or sign up to volunteer at redcross.org/volunteertoday.
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