In celebration of March as Red Cross month, the Prince William Chapter of the American Red Cross will host its 11th annual gala, "Rock the Red," on March 20 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the new Harbour View event center in Woodbridge.

This year's Rock the Red celebration will include a reception, a silent auction, Royal Caribbean Cruise raffle, dinner, dancing and entertainment by Lionel Ward and the New World Band.

Dinner and a brief program will begin at 7 p.m. and the rocking will begin about 8 p.m. Proceeds from the event will support Red Cross disaster services and other programs. All disaster assistance is provided free.

Frances Halpern of TD Bank is this year's event chairman. She serves on the Red Cross board of directors and served on the "Pajama Party" gala committee last year.

"Last year's event was such fun and I know our guests will really love us again this go-round. I've seen Lionel and the boys in action and it will be a great performance.

"Plus, Red Cross disaster relief is such a great cause. I am happy to help raise funds and awareness because the Red Cross has to depend on financial support from the community businesses, groups and individuals. We even filmed a Rock the Red YouTube video for the occasion," Halpern said.

Chapter CEO Karen Wayne is also excited about the March event. "Last year's Pajama Party was really great fun. I know our community looks forward to the event because of the theme and more informal nature," she said. "Each year we challenge ourselves to make this event, fun, exciting and memorable. I believe with the new venue in Woodbridge, the special entertainment and the great food we have planned, our guests will be delighted."

Reservations are $100 per person and table sponsorship is $800 or $750 before March 1.

Several businesses in the community have already committed sponsorship support. With the Olympic medals in mind, the Red Cross has two Gold Sponsors: Zeider Enterprises, a Gold sponsor for the third year in a row and Protiviti returns as a Gold sponsor. Also, long-time supporters Lockheed Martin and Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative are silver and bronze sponsors respectively.