February, 2015 – 58th International Red Cross Ball

58^th International Red Cross Ball Goes Around The World In Eighty Days

Chairman Patrick Park brings the Palm Beach Tradition back to The Mar-a-Lago Club

(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.)—Ambassadors, foreign diplomats and international philanthropists from around the world will be returning to Palm Beach this season when The American Red Cross South Florida Region presents the 58^th International Red Cross Ball on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at The Mar-a-Lago Club. The 2015 ball, considered to be the highlight of the Palm Beach social season, is being chaired by Patrick Park. He, along with International Honorary Chairs Melania and Donald Trump and Honorary Chairs Michele and Howard Kessler and Kathryn and Leo Vecellio, will help transport guests Around the World in Eighty Days, the theme for this year’s spectacular gala celebration.

Founded in 1957 by Marjorie Merriweather Post, the annual ball raises significant funds in support of the vital mission of one of the nation’s premier humanitarian organizations, the American Red Cross. For almost 100 years locally, The American Red Cross South Florida Region has given hope and help to people in their greatest hour of need – meeting the physical and emotional needs of disaster victims, teaching lifesaving skills such as CPR and First Aid, and supporting military members and their families.

“We look forward to an evening where the world comes together in support of one common goal,” noted Ball Chairman Patrick Park. “The International Red Cross Ball has an established legacy for diplomacy, goodwill and philanthropy, and I’m delighted to lend my support to this year’s Ball.  Our goal is to raise awareness and to promote more good will among our constituents around the globe.”

Patrick Park is a director of Park Corporation, a company founded by his father, Raymond Park, in 1949.  The multi-national corporation is based in Cleveland with businesses located around the United States.  In addition to being a successful businessman, Mr. Park has helped raise awareness and millions of dollars for countless charities, including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Cleveland Clinic Florida, March of Dimes, Palm Beach Police Foundation, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, The International Society and many more.  A trained classical pianist, Mr. Park has an enormous appreciation of the performing and visual arts. He is the proud father of two married daughters and grandfather of two grandsons.

“Patrick Park is one of the region’s most respected and admired philanthropists, who has made a difference in so many lives,” noted Rob Levine, Chief Executive Officer for American Red Cross, South Florida Region.  We are profoundly honored to have him chairing the ball this year.”

The American Red Cross South Florida Region is part of the largest and most diverse humanitarian relief organization in the United States. With more than 1,800 passionate, dedicated volunteers, they serve two million people across Palm Beach, Martin, Okeechobee, St. Lucie and Indian River counties. Throughout the region, every 28 hours on average, Red Cross volunteers answer the call and respond to provide relief to individuals and families whose lives have been turned upside down by a devastating home fire, flood or other disaster.

Last year more than 450 guests, including ambassadors from The Netherlands, Italy, Hungary and Georgia, joined forces to support of the American Red Cross.  Proceeds from the 58^th Annual International Red Cross Ball benefit the mission of the organization — to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Tickets to the 58^th International Red Cross Ball start at $1,000. For more information on tickets, sponsorships or other support of the American Red Cross, please contact Jennifer Durrant at 561-650-9105 or [email protected].