Enjoy an Evening of Summer-like
Fun to Benefit the Red Cross
News Release: March 18, 2010
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771


This year summer is coming early as the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley hosts "Beach Bash & Splash at Cabaret & Cuisine 2010" on Friday, April 9, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Fogelsville.

Jaciel Cordoba and Eve Tannery, anchors of 69 News at Sunrise, are the honorary chairs of this year's beach-themed fund-raising event. Culinary delights will be prepared and served by some of the valley's best caterers and restaurants, including: Armetta's, Assante Ristorante Italiano, Catering by Karen Hunter, Cathy's Creative Catering, Edible Arrangements, Granny Schmidt's Bake Shop & Cafe, Kakes by Kelly, Holiday Inn Conference Center, Northampton Community College Culinary Arts, Royal Gourmet Foods, Sagra Cooking and Zoup. Beer, wine, soft drinks and a cash bar will also be available.

DJ Freddie Frederick Jr. will have guests jumping and jiving throughout the night with everyone's favorite beach tunes, and the fun doesn't stop there. Say "cheese" and take home a souvenir photo with friends or family from PA Photo Pix, and jump into the team contest and games, which are sure to bring out the kid (and competitiveness) in everyone.

"Fund-raising events such as this one support our work in providing disaster relief such as food, clothing and shelter; serving as the link between military personnel and their loved ones during emergencies; and educating people on how to save a life through CPR and automated external defibrillator training," said Sandy Gaspar, director of development and community affairs at the Red Cross.

Unique silent and live auction items will be available for bid. Guests will also be able to make a donation to "purchase" various Red Cross products and services, including: blankets or hygiene items for disaster victims; a month's subscription to Lifeline, a 24-hour personal medical alert system for seniors and the physically challenged; and a babysitter's training class for a teen. All proceeds will benefit the chapter.

Tickets for Beach Bash & Splash are $75 per person. Dress is casual or beach-theme attire. Corporate sponsorships are available. For an invitation or more information, contact Chris Detweiler at 610-865-4400, ext. 259, or DetweilerC@usa.redcross.org or visit www.redcrosslv.org.

Desty Bonstein, senior vice president at Embassy Bank, is chairwoman of the committee. Other members include: Nancy Berlin, National Penn Investors Trust Co.; Jennifer Castellano, community volunteer; Jackie Gilligan, Bethlehem Township Community Center; Gosha Kadziolka, Buca di Beppo; Cathy Perna, Perna & Associates Mortgage Solutions; Susan Roth, Northampton Community College Culinary Arts; Kathy Sanders, Holiday Inn Conference Center; Jane Stone, Highmark Blue Shield; Betsy Torrence, community volunteer; Elaine Zelker, Care Alternatives Hospice; and Sandy Gaspar, Chris Detweiler, Ana Vega and Janice Osborne of the American Red Cross.

Sponsors (as of March 17): The Express-Times; F.L. Smidth; RCN, Viamedia; Air Products, Embassy Bank; DJ Freddie Frederick Jr; Just Born, Inc; Nacci Printing; PA Party Pix; PPL Electric Utilities Corp.; Crayola, Inc; Highmark Blue Shield; KNBT; Lafayette Ambassador Bank; Tower Products, Inc.; Capital BlueCross; Care Alternatives Hospice; Dream Events; Orasure Technologies, Inc.; Mahoning Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center; Merchants Bank; Minuteman Press of the Lehigh Valley; National Penn Investors Trust; Scherline & Associates; Yocco's; and East Penn Sanitation, Inc.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross helped more than 70,000 people through preparedness and training, military personnel support, senior lifesaving programs and services, emergency relief and information and referral. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.