Red Cross to end the annual BASH after this year

The last dance at this year's Red Cross BASH will be the last dance. 

The Buffalo chapter is ending what is widely considered the biggest kickoff to the summer festival season in Western New York, citing lack of staff and the desire to organize a fundraiser closer to the mission of the Red Cross. 

"We want to have a good party this year and send it off with a bang," said Jay Bonafede, chief communications officer for the Western and Central New York Region. 

This year's BASH, the 20th annual, will take place June 1st on the front lawn of the chapter's headquarters at the Clement Mansion on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo. Former M*A*S*H* star Loretta Swit will be making an appearance, with music provided by Nerds Gone Wild! 

Last year's BASH raised $100,000 to support Western New Yorkers in need following fires, flooding and other disasters.