Planning for this year's Patriotic Red Ball is in its final stages and the excitement is growing.

As a result of recent events, a patriotic theme was chosen for the Feb. 16 event. The focus of donations will remain the American Red Cross; however, the purpose will be to show support and appreciation to all service personnel from Kosciusko County, including those who have already been deployed, and National Guard and other men and women who are ready to serve.

Cathy Teghtmeyer, committee co-chairwoman, said, "Our primary concern is to show that this county is thinking about people from this county. It's showing that this county cares about its own, including supporting and utilizing the services of our local Red Cross."

Most of the funds raised will be spent providing care packages to all local service people in various capacities. The Red Cross will serve as the official liaison with the service organizations.

In addition to the care packages, donations to the local National Guard unit are planned. Any extra money will be made available for emergency situations.

The ball will be, Feb. 16. Invitations will be mailed soon. This year's event will be at Center Lake Pavilion and will include: dinner, with all-American food from Bistro 'A Lago; dancing to Spike and the Bulldogs; and a silent auction. The cost of individual tickets is $100 or support may be increased by becoming a sponsoring patron for $500. Being a sponsoring patron includes two Patriotic Red Ball tickets and two patron "Officer's Club" Party tickets. The Patron Party is Jan. 30 at Bistro 'A Lago.

"Spike and the Bulldogs," from Fort Wayne, feature '60's rock 'n' roll music dotted with humor and are well-known and enjoyed locally.

This year's auction will carry out the patriotic theme. The main attraction will be a one-of-a-kind necklace from Bill and Susan Allen of Allen's Designs. The three-piece pendant features wave-like designs in rubies, diamonds and sapphires, which may be worn individually or together.

The attire is semi-formal but not black tie. Business suits with patriotic ties, service uniforms and anything red, white and blue will add to the patriotic festivities.

Members of the Friends of the American Red Cross Committee are: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kubacki, co-chairmen; Mr. and Mrs. Larry Teghtmeyer, co-chairmen; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Allen; Dr. and Mrs. Larry Allen; Mr. and Mrs. Toby Buck; Mr. and Mrs. Larry Davis; Mr. and Mrs. Erik Deckers; Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Ferguson; Dr. and Mrs. Steve Grossnickle; Mr. and Mrs. William Haldewang; Mr. and Mrs. Dan Hann; Dr. and Mrs. Thom Howard; Mr. and Mrs. Dean Johnson; Mr. and Mrs. Steve Kesler; Mr. and Mrs. Scott Lennox; Mr. and Mrs. Tony Miller; Mr. and Mrs. David Montgomery; Mr. and Mrs. Brian Rhoades; Mr. and Mrs. John Rice; Mr. and Mrs. Steve Rufenbarger; Mr. and Mrs. Greg Sasso; Mr. and Mrs. Brad Tandy; Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Thornburg; and Mr. and Mrs. Ron Weade.

For more information, call Carol Stanton at the Red Cross, 267-5244. [[In-content Ad]]