BY RUTH RICE
RRICE@TRIBDEM.COM
A Red Cross fundraiser will put on the glitz.
The red-tie optional gala with an uptown theme to benefit the Keystone Chapter of the American Red Cross will be held March 13 at Pasquerilla Conference Center, 301 Napoleon St. in downtown Johnstown.
Doors open at 6 p.m., with a reception for the event’s sponsors from 6:15 to 6:45, said Colleen Sherman, executive director of the Keystone Chapter.
The theme will be carried out by the use of a cityscape of Johnstown’s skyline that will be used as a backdrop for the event. It was made by Minihan Signs.
“Decorations will include centerpieces with top hats and bling,” Sherman said.
“They told me it will be glitzy and glamorous. A cash bar will be available.”
Tina Honkus and Kathy Spaid are the event’s co-chairwomen.
Sherman said the gala was moved to the conference center several years ago because more space was needed.
“This gives us room to spread out,” Sherman said. “It’s a great venue.”
A silent auction held throughout the evening will feature a photography basket, Pittsburgh Steelers items, restaurant gift certificates and a Joe Theismann-autographed football.
“Local restaurants and community organizations will provide items for gift baskets,” Sherman said.
Proceeds from the event will benefit local disaster relief and service to the armed forces.
Sherman said there have been a lot of house fires in the past year, which are devastating to those left behind.
“I’m proud that the local chapter goes above and beyond for our military personnel,” Sherman said.
“We have emergency communications 24/7, and without a base locally, we provide those services.
“We also mail packages to those who are deployed and support their families at home.”
From 8 to 11 p.m., the grand ballroom will resonate with the sounds of The Uptown Band, which has a reputation as a party band.
The ensemble, featuring Erich Cawalla and Jenifer Kinder, is known as one of the most versatile live bands in the Northeast.
The Philadelphia-based group plays an adult contemporary mix of jazz, funk, rock and pop and has performed at festivals, concerts, conventions, corporate events, clubs and private events.
Cawalla, a native of Shillington, Berks County, is proficient on lead vocals, saxophone, flute and clarinet and serves as the group’s bandleader.
He has been a featured vocalist and saxophonist with the Bobby Mercer Road Show.
Lead vocalist Kinder, a Reading native, has been singing since she was 5 years old.
She has recorded jingles, commercials and theme songs for Easter Seals and the United Way.
In 2004, she released her debut CD, “Show Me More.”
Sherman said tickets, which are $75, will be sold up until the day of the event if they are still available.
“We’d like to know a week before so we can arrange seating and food,” Sherman said.
Fundraiser
What: Red-tie gala to benefit Keystone Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Where: Pasquerilla Conference Center, 301 Napoleon St., downtown Johnstown.
When: 6 p.m. March 13.
Tickets: $75 each.
Information: 255-1550.
