Red Cross hopes fundraiser will help with financial shortfall

BY AMY FLOWERS UMBLE

Date published: 4/3/2008

BY AMY FLOWERS UMBLE

The area Red Cross' biggest annual fundraiser has changed names, places and themes over its 14-year run.

But it hasn't changed focus.

"The money is still used for disasters," said volunteer John Jeter. "Unfortunately, we've had a lot of those in the area."

Only halfway into the fiscal year, the Rappahannock Area Chapter of the American Red Cross helped more than 80 families after house fires, said Carolina Camargo, public support director for the regional agency. In the previous fiscal year, the Red Cross helped 64 area families. "The need has grown and fundraising is down," said Camargo.

Because of the growing demand at a time when donations are down, the agency hopes to double ticket sales for its annual Bash in the 'Burg, which will be held Saturday, April 12.

Organizers hope to sell 500 tickets, which would help raise $22,000, enough to help the next 15 victims of local house fires, Camargo said. Previous parties have sold about 200 tickets, said Cheryl Lamb, who has volunteered on the committee for 13 years.

In the beginning, the fundraiser went by the name MASH Bash, named for the TV show. A few years ago, the Red Cross had to change the name because of licensing issues. They also changed the party's theme to a beach bash, Lamb said.

The celebration has gotten "bigger and better" each time, she said. This year's will feature a silent auction for tennis lessons, golf packages, photography sessions, an eye exam, a tea party and more. A live auction will include a week at a Nags Head and a Johnny Johnson painting.

"What else do they get?" she said. "The biggest thing is a very good time."

The event will also include shag lessons, dancing and live music.

Jeter said people will also know they're helping the Red Cross help others. He's served on the bash committee for 14 years and has volunteered with disaster relief for 16.

"Most people don't really think about having a fire, so when we show up, they're very grateful," he said. "Their mind is everywhere, thinking, 'Where am I going to sleep tonight? How am I going to eat?' And we provide that for them."

Amy Flowers Umble: 540/735-1973
Email: aumble@freelancestar.com

WHAT: Bash in the 'Burg WHEN: Saturday, April 12, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. WHERE: Fredericksburg Hospitality House and Conference Center, Central Park HOW: Tickets, $25 before April 11, $30 at the door; call 540/735-0506 WHY: To support the Rappahannock Area Red Cross INFO: bashintheburg.com

Date published: 4/3/2008