Saturday, February 20, 2010

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It's a red hot ball By Chakara Bennett ~ Guardian Intern: If you were asked to describe what it's going to be like at the Red Cross Ball this year, then officials will surely have to say hot, hot, hot! Because everyone's favorite Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop band will be setting off the excitement on the evening of Saturday, January 30. To add more heat to the room Visage, and the Lou Adams Band will be taking the stage, with the evening topped off with the popular 1970s smooth soul group, the Chi-Lites. They will be serenading the crowd with some of their old hits like "Have You Seen Her," "Oh Girl," "A Letter to Myself," "A Lonely Man" and "Help Wanted." The Red Cross Ball is the one event which most people look forward to, to jump start the year after the Christmas season. Ball organizer, Lady Finlayson says that excitement and real entertainment are the order of the day at the black-tie affair, which has been dubbed "An Evening with the Stars," and which will be held at the Wyndham Nassau Resort. She says it is not only going to be a night of elegance, fine dining and dancing but also gift-giving and sharing, and will set the pace for other balls and affairs to follow throughout the year. "I am really fired up to be attending this event this year," says Charlene Albury, 48. "I have always wanted to support charities and I do what I can when I can. But it is harder to get my sisters who are equally capable to support such events. They would rather just give the money and not worry about attending. But it is so worth attending the ball as well. I know that this year will be a great year especially since the Chi-lites will be a part of the entertainment. I know that will get a number of people I know out. This will be phenomenal." The charity ball of the season could not have come at a better time as countries all over the world scurry to assist Haiti, in the wake of the most powerful earthquake to hit the Western Hemisphere in 200 years, and in which it is estimated 200,000 people have lost their lives. "Some people may say that this is no time for festivities and fun but this is just the best moment for something like this" said Machel Pierre, 39, a supporter of the Red Cross who is of Haitian-descent. "Although something horrible did happen in my country I am glad that the world will still go on and people are still very charity-minded at the same time. The Red Cross has always been a great association that has helped us and this ball and the funds that will come from this event . . . so many people will benefit from it will mean so much. People feel more charitable if they can have fun and still get to do something. It's the best way for charity fundraisers sometimes. I am so glad," she said. Finlayson, also shares her gratitude toward the many persons supporting this event especially in the current economic times. "We are extremely pleased that even during these hard economic times people find it in their hearts to assist the Red Cross Society in its endeavors. We are aware that they can make a donation, but we appreciate the fact that many of them reward their hardworking staff with tickets to enjoy the ball and ultimately assist their fellow men." RED CROSS BALL When: Saturday, January 30 Where: Crystal Ballroom, Wyndham Nassau Resort Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $225 Friday January 22, 2010