‘Biba Red Cross!’ rings out at fundraising dinner

Big hair, shoulder pads, and multi-colored outfits that hark back to the ’80s era took center stage last Saturday evening at the Kensington Hotel Saipan, with over 300 people packing the venue at the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter’s Back to the ’80s fundraising party.

With several different individuals pulling off different versions of Madonna, to various rock stars, retro Barbies and Kens and even an island version of Prince himself, the crowd, music, costumes and the nostalgia for the ’80s were not the only vibes that filled the room.

As the fundraiser coincided with the NMI Chapter’s 45th anniversary, the event was also filled with ringing cries of “Biba, Red Cross!” and messages of appreciation for the impact and presence of the American Red Cross’ local chapter over the years. Among the video recorded messages from the chapter’s supporters and both past and present board members, one video included American actress Lea Thompson of Back to the Future fame, who extended her personal thanks to the tireless effort of the NMI Chapter, and a greeting for happy 45th anniversary.

In a conversation with the chapter’s director, John Hirsh, he said the venue was completely sold out. “We had 320 seats to sell and we sold all of them, so we’re very excited about that. …Whenever you have an event like this, some people don’t show, they have a conflict or something like that, but they came out and supported us and bought tickets so we sold out all the tickets.”

Hirsh said they are hoping to raise around $90,000 from the event.

As the last of the NMI Chapter’s annual two-part fundraiser, Hirsh said this one late in the year had been different from their usual Club 200 fundraiser, which usually sees a larger crowd of about 1,200 people.

“But due to difficulties in the economy and the workforce, it’s really hard for us to hold an event that large, so we scaled it back and came over to our partners at Kensington, and they’ve been a great host to us,” he said.

Also, with a tropical depression warning hoisted over the CNMI, Hirsh said they had to hold the event indoors. Although that meant a smaller crowd, Hirsh said they would also have avoided a downpour had it rained.

The chapter’s business operation coordinator, Selmalyn Taitano, said, “It’s really nice for us to see the community come together and support a good cause and I hope they continue to do so in the future.”

Hirsh said the CNMI has had so many storms over the years and the Red Cross has invested millions of dollars in recovery efforts, providing assistance to families whose homes have been damaged and need that extra lift “and the Red Cross has been there.” He said they will continue to give assistance where there is a need.