As if that wasn’t an example of multi-tasking in overdrive, the next day she visited with former President George W. Bush, ExxonMobil’s Rex Tillerson, T. Boone, and the head of Kimberley-Clark.

No one would have suspected that during her day with W and the rest of the big boys that she had just received word that she had breast cancer.

Let’s see. Within 48 hours, she had met with the former president, started coordinating relief efforts for a major catastrophe, and learned she had cancer. Seems a little overwhelming, doesn’t it?

This news about her health and her undergoing surgery on February 11 was revealed over the past weekend. According to American Red Cross spokesperson Roger Lowe, the reason for the delay was Gail “wanted to wait until she knew what she was dealing with and what the effect would be on her work before she announced it.”

Luckily, the doctors report the prognosis is “excellent” and Gail has added the Chile earthquake situation to the Red Cross’s “must-do-list.”

You know how most people dread costume parties? Those folks stayed at home. Just as well. They wouldn’t have stood a chance with the likes of Hank Keller and John Coffman (pictured right, with Hank and Marisa Allen). Sure to all the world, they appeared to be a couple of cute guys, but say “Where’s your costume?” and the masks came out. Seems the boys dropped by Pier One to pick up their “look.”

And looks were in abundance thanks to the welcome committee that draped everyone in beads, beads, and more beads. VIP’s reception guests were easy to spot. They sported the gumball-size pearl  beads with red crosses. One hesitant guest upon seeing the pearl necklace coming his way said, “It looks like something to ward off vampires.”

And speaking of “looks,” that’s exactly what Mary Lucille Coffman (pictured) got as she walked by on her oh-so high platform shoes and in an interesting dress with cut-out back. No one seemed to notice if she was wearing a mask or not.

Red Cross Executive Director Cheryl Sutterfield decided to take a different angle to the attire in her multi-colored flowing gown topped off with still more Mardi Gras beads. Even her earrings matched the beads.

Sitting on a couch by the window wearing their beads with pride were sisters Mindy Smith, Erica Yake, and Susan Cooper (pictured from the left). Austinites Mindy and Erica trek up each year to join Dallasite Susan for the Red Cross gala. Can you imagine their collection of beads?

But not all were adorable single Gen X, Y, or Z. There was a very special couple who owe the Red Cross a whole lot. Joan and Dr. Larry Rogers (pictured) were seated on stools reflecting about their meeting in Japan. It was 1956,  when Larry was stationed with the Army veterinary corp and Joan worked for the Red Cross. They met at the Officers’ Club in Shendai and were married not long afterward. That was a mere 53 years ago. Since then they have been longtime supporter of the Red Cross.

Then there was Gretchen Gerlach (pictured) whose multi-colored morning coat suited the occasion perfectly. Darn, she couldn’t remember who designed it, but she did recall picking it up in Aspen.

However, contender for the most  “eye-catching” gettup was John Bolt (pictured) for his eye-popping topper of the night which he made himself. When asked what he called his hat, he replied with a smile, “I guess, my eyes are on you.”

Alas, we got the silent treatment from the three mimes (pictured) who did everything from direct guests to the right door to hamming it up. After a bit of investigation, it was learned that the three are Booker T. Washington students, who will be taking part in a performance tonight. You might want to drop by and enjoy the silence. The show starts at 7.

Want to help? Here are three ways that you can assist:

1. Contribute money. You can even send a $10 donation by texting ‘Haiti’ to 90999.
2. Volunteer time.
3. Donate blood.

Tomorrow she’s meeting with W, ExxonMobil’s Rex Tillerson, T. Boone, and the head of Kimberley-Clark.

This is definitely a woman who has a masters in multi-tasking. This is also an organization that needs support to help others on a moment’s notice.