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Annual Special Events Listing

Each year the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter hosts or takes part in several events to raise awareness, gather funds and make friends and new volunteers. Come join us, support us, and learn more about your American Red Cross.

 

Cypress Gardens Paradise River Float-A-Thon — TBA Spring/Summer 2009
Paradise River at Cypress Gardens Splash Island, Winter Haven
This year, while preparing for hurricane season, take some time to relax and float down the river while raising money to help the American Red Cross. The Paradise River Float-A-Thon will raise funds for the Polk County Chapter, which works all year to prepare people for disasters, train them in lifesaving skills, and bring disaster relief when needed. Help the Red Cross while floating along the river.
Call (863) 294-5941 for details, or visit our Float-A-Thon Information page. For follow-up story and photos, click the 2008 Float-A-Thon link below.

Polk County Hurricane Expo — Saturday, June 6, 2009
Orange Dome, Chain of Lakes Complex, Winter Haven
Each year, the county-wide event focuses on preparing residents for severe summer storms and hurricanes. Red Cross volunteers will gladly answer other questions on how to prevent home fires (the most common local disaster); how to deal with more common climate-related disasters, such as wildfires, tornadoes, flooding, lightning storms; and getting trained for medical emergencies.
Call (863) 534-5600 for details, or visit www.polk-county.net/hurricaneexpo.

(Highlands) Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition Dinner — TBA June 2009
The American Red Cross Polk County Chapter annual meeting and volunteer recognition: An opportunity to recognize our outstanding volunteers from the year and inform volunteer leaders and workers how we've helped the community. (See our annual meeting links below.)

Red Cross Hurricane Kickoff & Volunteer Recruitment Barbecue — TBA
The American Red Cross Polk County Chapter annual barbecue to welcome in new volunteers and give people a chance to get to know their local Red Cross and sign up as volunteers. Event typically runs on the last weekend in July.

Red Cross "Dinner with the Chef" — TBA Summer/Fall 2009  
Fine Dining with dishes created, explained and demonstrated by an award-winning chef. (Cocktail Dress/ Caot & Tie)
See dinner prepared before your eyes by an award-winning chef, who will create your dinner, even showing you how to “wow” guests at your next dinner party. You will also have a chance to bid on a dinner for four prepared at your home.
Call (863) 294-5941 for details. (Click here for the 2008 flyer; or to learn about the 2008 event.)

Highlands Fall Garage Sale — Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008
7 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Highlands County Service Center
Highlands County Service Center flea market fundraiser, 106 Medical Center Ave., Sebring
Shop for bargains to benefit the American Red Cross in Highlands County: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. — NO EARLY ARRIVALS PLEASE
Donations to garage sales may be dropped off at the Red Cross office, Floors Direct in Downtown Sebring,
and at Frames and Images on U.S. 27, or call the Red Cross office to arrange a pick-up.
Call (863) 386-4440 for details. (See previous Garage Sale links below.) Click here for the Fall 2008 flyer.

Ride for the Red — Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009
Combined Polk and Highlands County motorcycle poker run held on the Saturday  before Thanksgiving
Rev up your engines and let's ride for a motorcycle tour of Polk and Highlands counties to benefit your local American Red Cross.
Need gear? Get it here! Click here to find your own Ride for the Red T-shirt, Lapel Pin, or Kick Stand Coaster!
Call (863) 294-5941 or e-mail linda@polkredcross.org for details. (Click here for the 2007 event page or for the 2008 event page.)

Red Cross Bash — TBA March 2010
6 p.m. — Bartow Civic Center
Click here for this year's flyer
Polk County Chapter dinner, dance and auction in Red, White & Blue to celebrate living in America.
Enjoy coming in theme clothing on the first Saturday night in May for a dinner, dance and both live and silent auctions.
Table sponsorships available at $1,500, $1,000 and $600 levels. Tickets available at $75 per person.
Call (863) 294-5941 for details. (Click here for last year's 2008 flyer.)

WIN 5K Run — TBA March 2010
7 a.m. — Highlands Hammock State Park
Highlands County Service Center fitness and fundraising event
Come out to train for upcoming races or just to enjoy exercising with family in the shaded lanes of Highlands Hammock State Park, just west of Sebring, Fla. Here's a chance to learn simple ways to get and keep in shape while helping to support your local Red Cross.
Pre-registration - $15; Day of Event Registrations - $20. Raise $50 or more in pledges and registration is free.
Event information
Download a 2009 registration form here.
Call (863) 386-4440 for details. (See previous years' WIN 5K Run links below.)

Red & White Ball — TBA April 2010
6 p.m.-Midnight — Four Points Sheraton Château Élan
Event presented by The Drs. Vinod and Tarlika Thakkar Foundation
Highlands County Service Center dinner, dance and auction
The Red & White Ball has returned to the place where it all began. Enjoy a formal romantic evening at the Four Points Sheraton Chateau Élan in sunny Sebring, Fla., with a gala dinner, a silent auction, and dancing to music from GrooVus, Highlands County's own local Jazz Band.
2009 Event Flyer
Sponsorship Information
Table sponsorships available at $2,000, $1,200 and $600 levels. Tickets $75 per person or $140 per couple.
Call (863) 386-4440 for details. (See previous years' Red & White Ball links below.)

(Polk) Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition Luncheon — TBA May 2010
The American Red Cross Polk County Chapter annual meeting and volunteer recognition: An opportunity to recognize our outstanding volunteers from the year and to inform volunteer leaders and workers how we've helped the community over the year. (See our annual meeting links below.)

 

See how much fun we've already had!

 

Phone or email your American Red Cross for sponsor or ticket information,
and thank you for supporting your American Red Cross: