Main Event: Red Cross benefit brings back some past beneficiaries

More than 250 people sipped margaritas, sampled spicy Mexican fare and listened to the festive music of Booker & Friends at the third annual South of the Border Soiree, May 22 at the Rochester International Event Center.

The event grossed nearly $23,000 to assist the southeast Minnesota chapter of the American Red Crossas it responds to local disasters.

"Tonight is important because it is our only event where the public comes out in support for our local disaster relief program," said Melanie Tschida, executive director of the American Red Cross. "It's a good time for a good cause."

"This event gets bigger each year," said Kris Ihrkefrom the Red Cross. "We so appreciate the community support."

Jami Fishbaugher, attending for the first time said, "Red Cross does amazing things for our community. We are having a great time, and we want to help out."

Al Manninovolunteered his time for the evening and was walking with an armful of red beads for those game to play Heads or Tails. "I think it's important to give time and donations to social safety agencies such as the Red Cross. It's a good event since the money raised tonight helps those affected locally by disaster," he said.

"We make financial contributions throughout the year," said Sheryl Warfield. "And this is another way to support a great organization that helps people through the tireless effort of the volunteers."

"As a nurse, I feel it's just a great cause to support," said Bob Kirchner. "They do a lot of good in the community."

"My husband and I donate blood regularly," said Lynn Wightman,with husband Ronand daughter Janelle. "We wanted to come tonight to further support the work of the Red Cross."

"I donated a few items to the auction; I come every year to this event. I appreciate that the money goes straight to disaster relief to help in all sorts of situations in the community," said Ruth Johnson, who attended with her sister, Anna Oeltjen.

"The Red Cross is very important to the community; they're always there," noted Mark St. Peter. "The need is great; resources are in great need."

"They helped us out when a storm passed through Millville, and we had no electricity for three days," said Jayand Kari Schmidt. "We'll always remember the help they gave us."

Jackie McNallanalso came to support the organization that helped her after disaster struck. "When we had a fire, the Red Cross was one of the first services to come and help us out," she said. "They truly make a difference in a crisis."

According to its mission, the "American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors."

For more information visit www.redcross.org .

Up next

On Aug. 26, we'll feature Power of the Purse, a fundraiser for United Way.

1/14: Tracy McCray looks at raffle items during a Red Cross fundraiser at the International Event Center in Rochester. McCray was the MC for the evening.

2/14: From left, Kristen Stellmaker and Deb O'Connor listen to Mindy Mickelson as she explains how to use a credit card application on an ipad before a Red Cross fundraiser at the International Event Center in Rochester.

3/14: Beth Lapp, left, and Marie Dodds volunteer at a margarita tasting fundraiser for the Red Cross at the International Event Center in Rochester.

4/14: Jo Eriksen, left, and Margie Wherritt sell raffle beads during a Red Cross fundraiser at the International Event Center in Rochester. "We believe in what they do and we work to take care of the disasters around," said Eriksen.

5/14: George and Mary Lou Klannis attend a fundraiser at the International Event Center in Rochester. "Red Cross helped out our family years ago so when we get the opportunity so support, we do," said George.

6/14: From left, Monica Maloney, Jenna Bearden, Jessica Dailey and Jamie Prigge talk during a fundraiser at the International Event Center in Rochester. "It's a great way to support a good cause," said Prigge.

7/14: From left, Lance Houser, Amy Lantz and Tammy Pfeffer have drinks at a margarita tasting themed fundrasier at the International Event Center in Rochester. "We're supporting Red Cross. It helps our community," said Pfeffer. "I love silent auctions," added Lantz.

8/14: The International Event Center hosted a margarita tasting themed fundraiser for the Red Cross in Rochester.

9/14: Mark Walsh, left, and Dave Zill play music with Book and Friends during a fundraiser at the International Event Center in Rochester. "We like to do benefit style things. We've always felt like its important to do stuff like that. There's so much need out there," said Walsh.

10/14: From left, Bunny Yanish, Mandi Bennett and Judy Bradley attend a fundrasier at the International Event Center in Rochester. "It's just a fun night," said Yanish.

11/14: Nurses Bob Kirchner and Teri Sanneman look through items in the silent auction during a Red Cross fundraiser at the International Event Center in Rochester. "It's a wonderful reason to be donating," said Sanneman.

12/14: From left, Tyler Cain, Kayla Cain and Bridget Mathiason attend a margarita tasting-themed Red Cross fundraiser at the International Event Center in Rochester. "It's an amazing program that helps people in need," said Mathiason.

13/14: From left, Bill and Mary Oertli and Jim and Jennifer Bestgen attend a margarita tasting-themed Red Cross fundraiser at the International Event Center in Rochester. "We're here to have fun," said Jim.

14/14: Red Cross disaster specialist Eric Adams pours apricot margaritas during a fundraiser at the International Event Center in Rochester. "We're really happy we got the band," said Adams.