A New Orleans spirit and a celebration of local generosity marked The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida’s 13th annual Red Shield Ball, held Saturday, Oct. 17, at the University of North Florida’s Adam W. Herbert University Center.
Chaired by Dawn Alexander and Brogan Hill, the evening honored longtime supporters and introduced the Krewe of Compassion, part of the organization’s new Ambassadors of Hope program.
Will Law of Duval Ford earned grand marshal honors as the Krewe’s top fundraiser, receiving his Salvation Army shield cape from Alexander and Hill. Fellow Krewe members Lindsey Craft of Intercontinental Exchange and Karlie McCutcheon of Dream Finders Homes joined Law in raising more than $30,000 ahead of the ball, supplementing the evening’s fundraising.
Sally Ragsdale received the 2026 O’Quinn-Buresh Red Shield Ball Award for her longstanding support of the event and The Salvation Army. An advisory board member since 1997 and a former board chair, Ragsdale has championed the ball since its inception.
Hosted by Mike Buresh, the celebration included auctions and music by Faze Band. A Fund-a-Need appeal sought support for an 80-seat outdoor dining pavilion at the Towers Center of Hope, furthering the organization’s work with individuals and families seeking stability.