Palm Beach, FL. (March 30, 2023) — On Saturday, March 18, The Palm Beach & Treasure Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross hosted its highly anticipated 62nd International Red Cross Ball at The Breakers Palm Beach. After not being held for the past three years due to the pandemic, the popular event made its grand return by hosting more than 400 guests which included a record-breaking number of attending ambassadors and raised nearly $1.5 million dollars for the American Red Cross. Leading the charge were Ball Chairmen Mr. and Mrs. Charles Schumacher.
“I would like to thank all of those who joined me and my husband on the International Red Cross Ball Chairmen Committee and to all of those that made this year’s event such a success”, said 62nd International Red Cross Ball Chairman Mrs. Amanda Schumacher. “It was my honor to ensure that the tradition of the International Red Cross Ball continued. I am also proud to announce that my husband and I have already agreed to continue to be the Chairmen next year for the 63rd International Red Cross Ball.”
This year’s ball proudly celebrated the work of the American Red Cross, in addition to its historic partnership with the U.S. Armed Forces. The evening featured keynote speaker Retired General Richard “Dick” Cody, along with dinner and dancing. A record-breaking, three dozen ambassadors were in attendance and included foreign ambassadors from Denmark, Sweden, Hungary, El Salvador, Mexico, Israel, Ecuador, Estonia, and Jamaica. Former U.S. ambassadors in attendance also represented countries from around the globe. Other dignitaries in attendance included American Red Cross Chairman of the Board of Governors Ambassador Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, former Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and many more.
“First, I would like to express gratitude for the incredible amount of support we saw during the 62nd International Red Cross Ball and the recognition of the importance of the Red Cross mission”, said Executive Director of the American Red Cross Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Chapter. “The sheer number of international and U.S. dignitaries in attendance, demonstrates the significance of the Red Cross around the world. A special thank you goes to the Chairmen Mr. and Mrs. Schumacher, the entire Ball Chairmen Committee and all supporters which made the event a huge success.”
The 62nd International Red Cross Ball Chairmen include Chairmen Mr. and Mrs. Charles Schumacher, Co-Chairmen Mrs. Robert T. Butler, Ambassador David Fischer and Mrs. Jennifer Fischer and Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Fischer. Ambassador Chairmen included Ambassador Mary Ourisman-Dawkins and Retired Brigadier General Peter Dawkins and Ambassador Lana Marks & Dr. Neville Marks. Honorary Chairmen were Ms. Veronica Atkins, Ms. Michele Kang, Mrs. Hildegarde Mahoney, Ambassador Bonnie McElveen-Hunter and Ms. Suzanne Niedland.
Plans are already well underway for the 63rd International Red Cross Ball which will be held Saturday, January 6, 2024 at The Breakers Palm Beach. For more information about next year’s event please contact Eric Roby at eric.roby@redcross.org or call 561-851-3439.
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 Twitter at @SFLRedCross.