The Alexandria Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold its first "Rhapsody in Red" Gala Saturday, March 19, at 7 p.m., in the lobby of the Historic Terminal at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
In keeping with the ambiance of the historic setting, the event will feature a 1930s theme, with drinks and delicacies evocative of the big band era, Art Deco-style décor, and the swinging sounds of Peaches O’Dell and her Orchestra.
Capping the evening is an old-fashioned coffee and hot donut reception featuring models in vintage Red Cross uniforms supplied by the Art Deco Society.
Given the organization’s signature hue, a focus on all things red is a key event attraction.
Guests are encouraged to add crimson to their attire, and a live auction categorized by themes such as Red Hot Romance, Paint the Town Red, Paris en Rouge and even Red Rover, Red Rover for the pet set promises to spur robust bidding.
Highlights include a four-night retreat in a luxurious Paris penthouse, a bat signed by Red Sox World Series Champion Johnny Damon, and an autographed red guitar from famed lovebirds Faith Hill and Tim McGraw.
The Alexandria Chapter of the American Red Cross is the organization’s oldest chapter in Virginia.
Proceeds from Rhapsody in Red will benefit the chapter’s essential quality-of-life services to area residents, including disaster preparedness and response, first aid and CPR training, and youth and senior programs.
Tickets are $175 per person and tables are available for parties of six, eight or 10.
Sponsorship levels are available at $3,500, $5,000 and $10,000.
Sponsors include the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Don Beyer/Land Rover Alexandria, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Potomac Yard Development LLC, Smith Barney Alexandria, William D. Euille and Associates, and Time & Place Homes.
Rhapsody in Red co-chairs are chapter board members Robin Kershner and Nancy LaValle.
Honorary Patrons include Gov. Mark Warner and Lisa Collis, Sen. Patricia Ticer and John Ticer, Mame Riley, Mayor William Euille, Don and Megan Beyer, Rep. Jim Moran and LuAnn Bennett, Del. Brian and Karen Moran, American Red Cross CEO Marsha Evans, American Red Cross COO Alan McCurry, Vice-Mayor Del Pepper and F.J. Pepper, MD, Councilman Rob Krupicka and Lisa Guernsey Krupicka, Councilman Paul Smedberg and Michael Moleskey, MWAA CEO James Bennett, and Stan and Gail Krejci.
For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Aimee Moore at 703-299-2509 or log onto www.alexandriaredcross.org.