May 2, 2017 Beaumont, TX – The American Red Cross of Southeast and Deep East Texas extends an invitation to the community to celebrate their 100 year anniversary at a Centennial Masquerade Gala on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 6:00 pm at the MCM Elegante´ Hotel in Beaumont.
In 1917, with the United States involved in "the war to end all wars", concerned residents across Southeast and Deep East Texas formed local chapters of the American Red Cross. At this time, the Red Cross was a small organization still in the process of developing its identity and programs. These visionary people wanted to ensure that this area was ready to help the country in conflict, as well as during peacetime. By the time the war ended in 1918, the Red Cross had become a major national humanitarian organization with strong leadership, a huge membership base, universal recognition, and a broad and distinguished record of service.
The event will commemorate “100 Years of Service” by the disaster-relief organization that has been providing assistance during times of need such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and home fires; as well as support to the military through the “Service to the Armed Forces” leg of the organization for the past century. 2017 marks a yearlong Centennial Celebration that will recognize the organization's many accomplishments, as well as its future plans for making our communities stronger and more resilient in the next 100 years.
During the evening, some of the original chapter founders and charter members will be honored including the Stark, Brown, McFaddin-Ward, Chambers and Malloy families. There will also be a documentary video shared with interviews of Red Cross volunteers, clients and staff and will span the organization’s life-saving work over the past century.
The celebration will feature a Social Hour from 6:00 – 7:00 pm where custom glass commemorative flutes will be available with unlimited champagne refills. There will also be the “Red Centennial Martini” available for $25 with a chance to win a diamond necklace donated from Mathews Jewelers. There will also be a silent auction featuring a variety of items, live auction of a commemorative Red Cross custom quilt and mystery bags for purchase which will include a gift valued at $50 or more. The after-party will be a chance to dance to the exciting jazz tunes of The Copa Kings from Austin. Tickets are $150 and sponsorships start at $2,000 for a table of 8.
Currently the chapter serves 11 counties including Angelina, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby and Tyler and is part of the Texas Gulf Coast Region.
Dress is Black/Red tie or Masquerade attire. For reservations or more information about the event, please call Kari Fenner at 409-782-9121. For information about The American Red Cross, please visit www.redcross.org.
