From left: Mark and Pam Begelman, and Sally and Bob Painter
are chairing this year’s event.
Inset below: Board member Phil Renaud and his wife, Mary.
Photos provided
By Christine Davis
Heroes, take your pick: a chance to drive a race car in Las Vegas, the opportunity to have a horse race named after you at Churchill Downs, or to serve as a fighter pilot for a day at Homestead Air Reserve Base.
“We have some fabulous live auction items that we’ve never had before,” said Pam Begelman, co-chair of the Red Cross Palm Beaches-Treasure Coast Region’s third annual Honoring the Hero in All of Us event. Set for March 21 at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Boca Raton, the Red Cross fundraiser promises to be exciting, rewarding, inspiring and delicious.
The event is named in honor of its corporate and individual donors, says co-chair Sally Painter. “We consider them to be heroes. They are helping others in their community who are in a desperate time.”
In addition to giving recognition and raising funds, the event also aims to educate about the organization.
“The Red Cross doesn’t get money from the government, and all the money it raises is earmarked to stay here to run our programs,” Begelman says.
“I had thought that the Red Cross helps with disasters like hurricanes and tsunamis, but it does so much more.
“Whenever there’s a fire, volunteers from the Red Cross come to help to get the victims back on their feet.”
Most people aren’t aware that volunteers who’ve opted to be Disaster Action Team members are on the scene of a fire right behind the fire truck, offering food, clothing and temporary housing, notes Delray resident Phil Renaud, board member and chairman of volunteer management.
“We also arrange for counseling if that’s what’s needed.
“As a member of that team, the very first disaster I was sent to was an aircraft collision in Boca Raton. Mostly, we kept the first responders hydrated. Some of the wreckage hit a bit of a condo, and we called in a psychology group for the people affected, including two children who were supposed to fly home the next day.”
It’s also important to know that 91 cents of every dollar raised goes to those who need it, he added.
Once a hero, always a hero and worthy of recognition. People attending the event, which costs $150 per person, gain the status and some give repeatedly.
Co-chairs Pam and Mark Begelman with Sally and Bob Painter aim for the event to attract 200 people and raise $150,000. From 7 to 10 p.m., event goers will enjoy Ruth’s Chris cuisine, a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions and entertainment. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is at 225 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. Call Jennifer Durrant at 650-9150.
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