The American Red Cross “Coast to Heartland” chapter, which includes Indian River, Okeechobee, St. Lucie and Highland counties, opted to swap out its annual Hurricane Hangar Party, previously held at the Sun Jet Aviation Center, for a new Savory Samplings from Around the World event, held this past Saturday evening at the Polish American Social Club.
Event chair Ali Landsman said the change from the open air party was made because of its occasional weather issues, trading it for a culinary competition among local restaurants for bragging rights and Platinum Spoon plaques in appetizer, entrée and dessert categories.
The culinary world tour included Indian, Italian, Cuban, Indian and French Creole dishes, and in the end voters determined the winners as: Best Appetizer, Johnny D’s Crab cakes; Best Entrée, Waldo’s New Orleans Pasta, and Best Dessert, Bijou’s Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta.
Before dinner, Red Cross South Florida regional executive director Sara Ruwe thanked the many volunteers who worked tirelessly for the organization and introduced Glenn Tremblay, who told the audience the story behind his becoming a Red Cross volunteer.
He said he was at work one day when he received the terrifying news that his home was engulfed in flames. Frantically driving home to his children, he arrived and found his family safely outside, already wrapped in Red Cross blankets and being comforted by its volunteers. “That’s why I do what I do as a volunteer,” Tremblay added.
Chapter executive Tammy Jackson-Moore said that the event would help fund relief efforts when disasters strike in our own neighborhoods, and even where American soldiers are stationed around the world.
“Many people do not know that the Red Cross provides services to the armed forces and their families, assisting with communication and transport when someone dies, gives birth or needs to get home in an emergency,” said Jackson-Moore.
Master of Ceremonies Hamp Elliott of Treasure Coast Radio recalled the 2004 back-to-back hurricanes and how vital the Red Cross was to residents during those tumultuous days. Elliott spent days guiding listeners through the storms and then worked in their aftermath to assist those in need.
“Listeners would call us and we worked as a conduit to the Red Cross to get them help,” recalled Elliott. “One lady had a tree fall on her house and she could not get out for two days. She called everyone until finally she got us at the radio station. We told our friends at the Red Cross where to find her and they got her help. The Red Cross was there for us then and they are still there for us today.”
