Red alert: get in on this first-time gala

Jonathan Brown called to let me know about the Young Professional Society of the Ronald McDonald House hosting the inaugural Red Tie Gala.

The fundraiser is from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at Levine Museum of the New South. The host is WBTV's Molly Grantham. Instead of black tie, men are encouraged to wear red ties, and the organizers are hoping women will wear red gowns or dresses.

The $60 per person tickets include an open bar from 7 to 9 p.m. (it's a cash bar after 9 p.m.), heavy hors d'oeuvres, dancing and a raffle. The after-party is nearby at Fitzgerald's Irish Pub where the bar is donating a portion of its special signature drink for the evening - a Mai Red Tai - to Ronald McDonald House.

As Brown explained it to me in an email, The Ronald McDonald House is a home away from home for families of seriously ill children from across the Carolinas receiving medical treatment at area hospitals.  Families are stronger when they are together, which helps in the healing process. By staying at a Ronald McDonald House, parents can also better communicate with their child’s medical team, and keep up with complicated treatment plans as needed.

Tickets: http://www.rmhofcharlotte.org/annual-events/red-tie-gala

To add to the gala buzz, Lipp boutique at the Metropolitan is hosting a special event this Friday, Sept. 14, from 5 to 9 p.m.  It will have a cocktail party atmosphere with Young Professional Society members pouring wine. Lipp will donate 20 percent of the proceeds that evening to Ronald McDonald House. 

I can't resist the stylish and philanthropic fun, so I plan to be at Lipp taking photos of guests. I hope to see you there.