The Greater Miami & The Keys Chapter of the American Red Cross hosted the 40^th American Red Cross Ball: A Ruby Jubilee and 5^th Party in Red on Saturday, March 1, at the JW Marriott Marquis. The milestone event welcomed nearly 400 guests – including community leaders, philanthropists, sponsors and donors – and raised essential funds to support the American Red Cross mission. Proceeds from the evening will help provide relief to local families affected by disasters like hurricanes and home fires, equip communities with lifesaving skills like CPR and first aid training and offer critical support to U.S. service members and veterans across South Florida.

The Ruby Jubilee paid tribute to the lasting impact of the past 40 years of Ball Chairs, whose dedication helped shape the legacy of the South Florida Red Cross. Fifteen past Ball Chairs were in attendance and recognized for their humanitarian efforts and steadfast commitment to the Red Cross mission: Barbara Reese, Swanee DiMare, Julia Rea Bianchi, Trish and Dan Bell, Frances and Eugenio Sevilla-Sacasa, Teresa Buoniconti, Mary “Mimi” Bradley Shafey, Ana VeigaMilton and Cecil Milton, Amanda Altman, Leah and Phillip Sylvester, and Adriana Verdeja-Arango.

“The success of the 40th American Red Cross Ball and 5th Party in Red is a reflection of our community’s unwavering commitment to helping those in need,” said Deborah Koch, executive director of the Greater Miami & The Keys Chapter. “We are incredibly grateful to our attendees, donors and sponsors for making this event possible. Their generosity ensures we can continue providing critical assistance to families impacted by disasters, train the next generation of lifeguards, nurses and first responders and support U.S. service members, veterans and their families.”

The evening began with a cocktail reception in the pre-function space of the Metropolitan Ballroom, where guests participated in a silent auction featuring 50 exclusive items, including a Messi signed soccer ball, a stay in Northern Italy, priceless art, a luxury facial experience and more. In the Ballroom, guests enjoyed a moving program hosted by award-winning journalist and Telemundo co-anchor Gloria Ordaz. Part of the program consisted of a special tribute to the past Ball Chairs, followed by dinner, a dramatic live auction and dancing to DJ Laz.

After the Ball, Party in Red – the official afterparty – welcomed emerging philanthropists for a high-energy evening of music and networking, reinforcing the importance of the next generation’s role in supporting the Red Cross mission. Thank you to the Party in Red Co-Chairs Monique Lavender Greenberg, Eric Milton and Amy Poliakoff, whose leadership and dedication played a pivotal role in the event’s success.