The Tribune

By LESH

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

THE BAHAMAS Red Cross Ball attracted a full house last Saturday at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort.

The black tie affair gathered more than five hundred persons at the “Rhapsody In Blue” themed event.

The ball featured Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, the Lou Adams Orchestra and the sounds of the Tingum Dem Band.

Devin Peet, a member of the Red Cross Ball committee said the ball was the start of the Red Cross’s fund-raising year.

“We started on time and this year we had an opportunity to thank Commonwealth Bank and also Pauline Dean, the individual honouree. She has worked along with the Red Cross for over 30 years. Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes gave a nostalgic performance. It was just a real energetic and amazing show. They had a 10 piece band with some of the original members and they sang some of their biggest hits like “If You don’t Know Me By Now.” They delivered,” said Devin.

Devin said there were shades of blue flowers and orchids all over the ballroom. The entire decor represented different shades of blue, as well as the lighting.

“The Tingum Band were the dancing and party band. They did a good Rake ‘n’ Scrape set and highlighted a lot of Bahamian music. They also did a R&B and soul set. They allowed the patrons to dance the night away, well past midnight,” said Devin.

With the funds raised from the ball going towards the work of the Red Cross Society, Mr Peet said events like this are essential to the organisation’s growth.

“This is one of the events that allows the community to give back to the Red Cross while having an enjoyable evening out. You have an opportunity to party with a purpose, which is something we believe in. I think socially, this is really the beginning black tie event of the social calendar. We are the longest running ball with 42 editions that attract Nassau’s elite. The ball itself has been modified. It has now become bigger and better. Our ball has four live bands in one night, which is remarkable. We have the best sound, the best lighting,” said Mr Peet.

Each year, Mr Peet said they try to remain relevant by updating their decor and seeking the best entertainment, both locally and internationally. It’s a lot of work to make it a magical evening, he said.

Caroline Turnquest, director general of the Bahamas Red Cross Society reiterated Mr Peet’s statement saying the ball is extremely important because it is all about fund-raising.

“We are not government owned; it’s independent. So we have to raise funds to ensure that our programmes are kept running. We also have operational expenses,” she said.

Members of the Bahamas Red Cross Society unofficially reported that close to $75,000 was raised at this year’s Red Cross Ball.

See full Red Cross Ball “Belles of the Ball” picture special in this Saturday’s Big T.