Red Cross Shifts to Partying--for a Night

They specialize in disaster relief, blood banks and . . . New Year’s Eve parties? It’s strange but true. The American Red Cross, Glendale Crescenta Valley Chapter, is hosting its second year-end celebration tonight at the Glendale Galleria.

The event includes a carnival for the children, with mimes, magicians and other entertainment.

Grown-ups can dance to two bands or a disc jockey, play bingo or enjoy “casino-style gaming” with authentic Las Vegas tables and dealers.

Several Galleria restaurants will be open, in addition to several no-host bars.

“There will be alcohol served in a very safe environment,” said William Dutton, the chapter’s executive director

It will be safe. Dutton said Glendale police will be on hand, along with Galleria security and representatives from the local National Guard Armory acting as private security.

Dutton also said there will be several door prizes up for grabs, including two round-trip tickets on Continental Airlines to anywhere in the United States, or a night on the town for four with limousine service, dinner and tickets to the Glendale Symphony.

Children will have a shot at winning tickets to Magic Mountain, Disneyland or AMC Theaters.

Tables for eight are available for $100. “It’s basically a meeting spot,” Dutton said.

The only entrances to the party, which runs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., will be through the Palm Court, near Broadway, and through the Red Robin and Don Carlos restaurants.

Admission at the door is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 5 to 17, with children under 5 free. Dutton recommends that very young children be supervised in the carnival area. Parking is free.