Buffalo Rising Online

May 29th 2008, 11:06am By Eli George

BASH 2008 is right around the corner, and for many, that means a trip to Uncle Sam’s Army Navy Outfitters. Queenseyes did a video with them last year that you can watch here to get an idea of what the store is like and what they offer.

BASH is an annual fundraiser to benefit the Greater Buffalo Chapter of the Red Cross now celebrating its tenth anniversary. Over 5,000 people regularly come out to the event to dress up as characters from the hit TV series M*A*S*H while enjoying great food and listening to Lance Diamond and his 24-Karat Band.

This one-of-a-kind military-themed event raised more than $350,000 last year. All of the money raised goes towards providing vital disaster preparedness education and response to WNY communities through the Red Cross.

At the BASH, you can take part in a large silent auction with these items: Concert Tickets, Nintendo Wii or Xbox 360, Landscaping Packages, Gym Memberships, Wine Tours, Automobile Leases, and lunch or golf with a local celebrity. The value of the items is more than $100,000 and includes items from weekend getaways in NYC to a real-life Night at the Museum.

As an added bonus, if you personally donate or get another person or company to donate an item worth $100 or more, you get two free tickets to the BASH. Tickets to the event run $50 a piece and ArtVoice voted the BASH the Best Annual Fundraiser in 2007.

Also at the BASH you can buy tickets to win a custom-built motorcycle as well as the chance to take part in the $10,000 raffle. A limited number of tickets (1,000 to be exact) are sold for the raffle, leaving the odds of winning much higher. Plus, if you buy a raffle ticket for $100, you get two admission tickets and get the same chance at winning cash prizes. First prize is $10,000, second prize is $5,000, and third prize is $2,500 and the prizes will be awarded the night of the BASH, however, you do not need to be present to win.

Overall, the event offers a lot of fun, music, raffle items and food. The food includes unlimited wine, beer, pizza, hot dogs, roast beef sandwiches, and more. For a ticket, costing $50, you get to take part in one of the best fundraising parties of the year and your money goes to a great cause.

For more information, visit the Red Cross’ BASH 08 site here or on MySpace. Call 878-2373 for more information and tickets.

BASH 2008 June 6 7PM to Midnight? $50 per ticket (Get them quick!) Raffle Tickets $100, includes two admissions!