News | Volunteering

Santa Monica Red Cross Chapter Raises $500,000

Celebrities and athletes were in attendance at the annual gala as the local chapter handed out awards and raised money for its disaster preparedness efforts.

Posted by L.A. Patch Staff, April 25, 2012 at 04:06 am

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The American Red Cross of Santa Monica's annual "Red Tie Affair" gala fundraiser attracted 450 guests and raised approximately $500,000 Saturday for disaster preparedness efforts.

Held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel, American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern presented its "Spirit of Inspiration Award" to Iraq war veteran and actor J.R. Martinez. Jamie Lee Curtis received the "American Red Cross Crystal Cross Humanitarian Award." Curtis is a member of the organization's national celebrity cabinet.

Santa Monica Fire Department Chief Scott Ferguson presented the American Red Cross "Spirit of Service Award" to actor and comic Denis Leary for his humanitarian and charity work with firefighting organizations.

Santa Monica Red Cross board chair Dr. Robert Amonic bestowed the "Rick Crocker Spirit of Volunteerism Award" on Dr. Timothy Miller, Chief of Plastic Surgery for Operation Mend at Ronald Regan/UCLA Medical Center.

In addition to Curtis, Martinez and Leary, celebrity guests at the 2012 gala included entertainers and athletes, including actor Josh Duhamel, Playmate/model Kendra Wilkinson, NFL great Hank Baskett, actor Tom Payne, actor Christina Moore, Chad Rogers from "Million Dollar Listing," actor Susan Blakely, extreme surfer Garrett McNamara, Playmate/model Bridget Marquardt, Kathy and Rick Hilton, actor D.B. Sweeney, actor Suleka Mathews, actor Christa B. Allen, actor David Joyner and dancer Karina Smirnoff among others.

Celebrity chef, author and TV show host, Nick Stellino supervised the preparation of the four course gourmet dinner. KTTV Fox 11 News anchor, Christine Devine was the event's Mistress of Ceremonies for the fifth year in a row.

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