Bay City Tribune

The Rio Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross is gearing up for the 2009 MASH Bash fund-raiser at the Bay City Civic Center on Friday, March 13.

"It is especially important this year that people come out and support the MASH Bash," said Pat Curry, Rio Colorado ARC executive director.

"With the recent break-in to our storage facility, we will need to meet and exceed our budget to replace the many thousands of dollars worth of supplies that were lost."

The Rio Colorado ARC has also responded to several house fires already - providing support to local residents who have lost some or all of their belongings.

Red Cross staff and volunteers provide disaster assistance free of charge to those surviving personal tragedies in a home lost to fire and also to communities affected by widespread damage caused by floods, tornadoes, ice storms and one that hits closer to home - hurricanes.

Following a recent break-in at the organization's storage facility, the Rio Colorado chapter will have added financial strain of replacing expensive equipment that is needed to perform their basic disaster assistance functions.

In 2008, local resident helped raise over $20,000 in support of the chapter and this year the goal is higher.

This year, the event will again be headlined by Texas country music star Gary P. Nunn and also feature The Emotions as an opening act and DJ Phantom Run.

Aside from purchasing tables and tickets to the event, attendees will have a chance to outbid their friends for some great items featured in a live auction.

Guests are invited to dress in the MASH theme by sporting costumes portraying the television show characters or actual MASH doctors and nurses.

Table sponsorships are available at a range of prices, including: "commander-in-chief" table, only one available, at $5,500; "four-star general" table, only two available, at $2,500; "colonel" table at $500; and "soldier" ticket for $35 per person.

MASH Bash tickets should be reserved in advance by contacting the local Red Cross office at 979-245-3056.

"Remember, when you support the local Red Cross, you are supporting your friends and neighbors who suffer unexpected disasters," said Curry.