Red Cross show will raise funds for its services
Seventy-two performers are ready to help save lives.
The Aiken County chapter of the American Red Cross will hold its second Toast of the Town fundraising event on Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.
"This year's show is centered on the history of the American Red Cross and its many humanitarian services. The educational, family services and relief programs have grown over the years, and this year's Toast of the Town celebrates the victorious ways of the Red Cross," Director Dan See said. "The show is supported by the local American Red Cross Executive Director Suzanne Jackson. It is an extension of the vision of Darcy Hammond Ross of the Aiken Chapter of the American Red Cross."
In addition to the performers, there are more than 25 backstage and special technical assistants, which makes 100 cast and crew members. Annette See is the stage manager.
The performance variety ranges from the young to the mature with singers, dancers, choral groups, electronic bands, martial arts teams and more.
Entertainers in the show hail from Aiken, Wagener, Jackson, Augusta and Grovetown, Ga.
Student performers represent South Aiken High School, Aiken High School, Aiken Performing Arts Academy, USC Aiken, Aiken Technical College, Aiken Preparatory School, Wagener-Salley High School, Millbrook Elementary School and Silver Bluff High School in Aiken County, and Evans High School, Columbia Middle School and Aquinas High School, Georgia.
The adult performers bring varied backgrounds ranging from nuclear chemist and engineers to Red Cross volunteers, financial advisers and geologists.
"This is a home-grown event that has grown from 15 acts to 23 acts in a year and increased in size and stature. The American Red Cross is proud to present this talented group of individuals," See said.
Tickets are $25 each or $40 for a ticket plus a wine and cheese reception. Tickets are available through the Washington Center for the Performing Arts Box Office at 126 Newberry St. S.W. or by phone at 648-1438.