INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

American Red Cross plans May 18 Hangar Party at Vero Beach Regional Airport

Donna Roberts Mitchell
For Luminaries

On May 18, the Florida’s Coast to Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross will host its annual Hangar Party at the Vero Beach Regional Airport.

American Red Cross volunteer Bob Livingston poses by the emergency response vehicle he drives for Florida’s Coast to Heartland Chapter.

This is a free, family event for the community to prepare for the hurricane season, which begins in June.

Local exhibitors will be on site to provide resources and information on preparedness. In addition, there will be food and drinks, a Kids Zone, live music from Collins & Company, and a silent auction to benefit the American Red Cross.

Prize packages for the auction include a portrait sitting and a one-night stay at the Eau Resort in Palm Beach courtesy of Bradford Portraits, and two sets of two round-trip tickets originating from Vero Beach courtesy of Elite Airlines.

Sarah Tippet Ruwe, executive director of the local Red Cross chapter, stands next to a poster from a century ago featuring a young woman wearing the same uniform her grandmother wore as a Red Cross volunteer.

“Our annual Hangar Party is an opportunity for folks to have fun, eat well, see live Red Cross demonstrations including a mock shelter, enjoy fabulous music and meet exhibitors and partners for resources on shutters, insurance, meal kits and generators,” said Sarah Ruwe, executive director of the chapter. “Visitors will learn about safety and preparedness from local emergency management and other partners to further prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.”

The highlight of the evening is a planned visit from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “Weather permitting we will offer tours of a 'Hurricane Hunter' aircraft,” said Ruwe.

The airport is at 3450 Airport West Drive, Vero Beach. 

For additional details, call 772-562-2549.