The American Red Cross Broward County Chapter celebrated its Swaying Palms Soirée on Friday, October 23 at Hugh’s Culinary in Oakland Park with more than 200 guests including prominent philanthropists and influential community leaders.Guests of the tropical ball were treated to a splendid cooking demonstration by Chef Hugh McCauley and Randy Perkins of AshBritt Environmental, who along with his wife, Saily, were the chairs of this year’s ball. Ronald L. Book and Jim O’Connor, co-hosts of the ball, led the celebration which featured dancing accompanied by the beautiful tunes of The Brass Evolution, and a cigar room, where aficionados enjoyed premium hand-rolled cigars.

 

Guests also were able to enjoy a wine tasting presented by Premier Beverage, Inc. With the help of this year’s outstanding crop of ball committee volunteers, the Swaying Palms Soirée raised about $160,000 in support of the life-saving programs, and the disaster relief and community education efforts carried out daily by dedicated American Red Cross volunteers serving all of Broward County.