BASH*2013 Raises Over $352,000 to Support Red Cross Disaster Services

Local volunteers assisting 23 area residents following weekend fires

BUFFALO, NY, June 11, 2013 – BASH*2013 was a huge success, raising $352,00 to support American Red Cross Disaster Services in Erie & Niagara Counties. Over 4,000 “soldiers” marched on the grounds of Red Cross headquarters last Friday, June 7 for the 15^th Anniversary of this unique military-themed event, bidding on auction items donated by various members of the community, enjoyed food and drink from some of Western New York’s finest restaurants, all while dancing to the music of the DJs from Signature Entertainment and a live performance from the one and only Lance Diamond.

“I can’t thank our staff, volunteers, sponsors and supporters enough for making The BASH Buffalo’s party of the summer for the past 15 years,” said Nancy Blaschak, Regional Executive Director. “I especially want to thank our BASH Chairman, Mr. John Yurtchuk, for helping us bring in a record amount of corporate sponsorships this year, and the most important thing is that all the money raised at The BASH will help us prevent, prepare for and respond to disaster right here in Western New York.”

Since BASH*2013 wrapped up at midnight Friday, Red Cross volunteers have responded to three fires in the City of Buffalo, providing immediate emergency assistance including vouchers for temporary housing, food and clothing as well as emotional support to 23 of our neighbors in need. Our Disaster Action Team responds to an average of a fire a day in Erie & Niagara Counties, providing an average of just over $1,000 in direct financial assistance when responding to a single family house fire affecting a family of four. 

More information on BASH*2013, including a full list of sponsors, participating restaurants and other supporters, is available at www.redcross.org/buffalobash. And save the date: the 16^th annual BASH is scheduled for Friday, June 6, 2014!

Dog Tag yourself into free BASH Tickets!

As you hopefully know by now, we are celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the BASH tomorrow evening. One of the great traditions of The BASH has been the "dog tag" (compliments of Tri-Metal Industries, Inc.) our guests receive each year. As you can see, The Colonel is quite proud of his collection:

Actually, these dog tags are from Thomas Latona, one of 
our Clement Trustees

So, how extensive is YOUR BASH dog tag collection? The first five people to tweet us @RedCrossBASH a picture of themselves with dog tags from five or more years of The BASH --or bring their collection to our 786 Delaware Avenue headquarters between 9am-5pm Friday--will win their choice of either a pair of General Admission tickets to #BASH2013 OR (if you already have tickets) a free BASH t-shirt. Good luck, and we'll see you here tomorrow night!

BASH Tent Trivia

Taking a look at our parking lot at 786 Delaware Avenue today, it's hard to believe. But 15 years ago, our first BASH took place under a single tent.

Clearly,The BASH has grown over the years. But do you know how much it's grown?? Between our parking lot and the front lawn, how many tents will there be for #BASH2013 on Friday night?? The first person to tweet @RedCrossBASH will win a FREE pair of General Admission tickets to our 15th Anniversary Friday night!!

If you don't win, don't worry. You can still purchase your tickets to The Party of the Summer by stopping by our Buffalo headquarters between 9am-5pm this week, and we have limited edition 15th Anniversary T-Shirts available, designed by Inspired Buffalo. Good luck, and we'll see you Friday!!

UPDATE: We have a winner! The correct answer is eight tents: Chairman's, VIP + two side pop-ups, General Admission, Auction, Volunteer and Will Call. You can see them all for yourself this Friday night!!

BASH*2013 Setting Up Base Camp at Red Cross Headquarters

#BASH2013 is setting up base camp at
Red Cross headquarters on Delaware Ave.

 The grounds of the Red Cross headquarters at 786 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo are being transformed into base camp for BASH*2013. The tents are going up as this one-of-a-kind military-themed fundraiser prepares to celebrate its 15^th Anniversary on Friday, June 7.

Get your tickets now! A limited number of BASH*2013 General Admission tickets remain available for purchase online at www.redcross.org/buffalobash. Each $75 ticket comes with two free drink tickets and all the food you can eat. Raffle tickets are also available by calling (716) 878-2235. Each $100 raffle ticket comes with two General Admission tickets plus the chance to win up to $10,000 in the BASH Raffle.

This party is big! Over 4,000 people will wear their best military gear and enjoy food and drink from some of the area’s best restaurants while dancing the night away to the music of Signature Entertainment’s DJs and a live performance by the one and only Lance Diamond. BASH*2013 guests will also have the opportunity to bid on dozens of unique auction items donated by members of the Western New York community, including vacations, original works of art, jewelry and much more. All proceeds from The BASH stay right here to support the American Red Cross, Serving Erie & Niagara Counties’ mission of preventing, preparing for and responding to disaster in Western New York. BASH*2012 raised over $360,000 to support Red Cross Emergency Services, helping volunteers provide temporary housing, food, clothing and support for over 1,000 residents of Erie & Niagara Counties following fires and other disasters last year.

  

The BASH has been named “Buffalo’s Best Annual Fundraiser” by Artvoice five times. Follow us on Twitter @redcrossBASH and www.facebook.com/buffaloredcrossbash for the latest on our 15^th Anniversary Celebration. BASH*2013, where the only enemy is the dawn!

Get your tickets now at redcross.org/buffalobash, and
join us under the tents on June 7!