Salute to the Armed Forces Past and Present

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (April 11, 2008) — The American Red Cross Angels held its annual Mad Hatters Luncheon on March 6 at the Boca Country Club. This year’s theme, A Salute to Armed Forces Past and Present, was celebrated at each table with centerpieces featuring flags of the different branches of the Armed Forces. The United States Marine Color Guard presented the Colors followed by vocal selections by Lou Galterio and piano accompaniment by Rick Krieve. Countess Henrietta de Hoernle was honored for her donation to the Military Disaster Relief Sector of the American Red Cross and was presented with a beautiful cross pendant necklace designed by David Stern.

Paul Zulkoski was the event chairman and committee members included: Loretta Baldwin, Beverly and Bernie Falb, Ruth Feigl, Meg Greenfield, Christine Gudasky, Rita Hobbs, Patricia Hyde, Judy Kloth, Betty Maguire, Angels President Bonnie Mason, Barbara McCormick, Carol Orze, Julie Ott, Charlotte Robinson, Joanne Stahl, and Marilyn Swillinger.

A wonderful hat competition was enjoyed by all with judges including: Boca Raton Fire Chief, Tom Wood; American Red Cross Director of Financial Development, Ryan Cairns; and American Red Cross 2nd Board Vice Chair, Phil Renaud. Hat contest winners were: Store bought category: Jan Moore, Jackie Glickman and Nena Maceli; Hand made: Harriet Basilovecchio, Gloria Rackliffe, Dianne Schilke, and Barbara Bends; Theme appropriate: Donna Mae Flynn, Sally Painter, Gayle Stahl, Susan Gerding, Marlene Pfeiffer and Mary Lavelle; Men: Joe Pfeiffer, Carmen Basilovecchio, Jerry Mason, Paul Zulkoski and Leonardo Maceli.

Funds raised will help provide both local disaster relief and educational programs at the American Red Cross Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter. Additionally, funds will go to support the military on initiatives including the Red Cross worldwide emergency communications network which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and sends emergency messages regarding the death or serious illness of a family member, the birth of a child, or other family emergencies to those in the armed forces. The Red Cross collaborates with the military aid societies in providing financial assistance when an urgent personal or family crisis arises.

For more information about the American Red Cross, call (561) 718-5602 or visit www.redcross-pbc.org.

About the American Red Cross:
For over 90 years, the American Red Cross Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter, which includes Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee and Palm Beach Counties, has provided relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, teaches lifesaving skills, and supports military members and families. The American Red Cross, a charity and not a government agency, depends on voluntary contributions of time and money to perform its humanitarian mission. To learn more about the work of the Red Cross in communities, or to make a donation, please call 561-833-7711 or visit our website at www.redcross-pbc.org.

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