The Suffolk Chapter of the American Red Cross will be seeing red for quite some time.

That’s because staff is getting ready for the 11th annual “Paint The Town Red Celebrity Benefit & Auction.”

It’s a night filled with dancing, dinner and raising awareness and funds for the work done by the Red Cross.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Ashley Greene, development director for the American Red Cross Suffolk Chapter. “I really think it’s going to a fun night. We’re trying to bring back the best of what has worked in the past for a great night.”

This year’s benefit is set for March 6 and will boast local “celebrities,” including Ellen Drames of Rose and Womble Realty, Darren Schultz of Copico and Priscilla Taylor of Duke Automotive, as well as some regional celebrities, such as Bianca Martinez, Vanessa Murdock and Juliet Bickford from WTKR 3, and Bonita Adams, Lasalle Blanks, and Vanessa Coria from WVEC 13.

These volunteers will wait on the party guests during dinner and take part in one of the largest and most amusing fundraisers of the night. The celebrities participate in “waiter challenges,” in which guests can ask their waiter to perform any task, for a tip. All the tips are collected and given to the Suffolk chapter.

In the past, waiters have been tipped for impromptu singing, neck massages and headstands.

For all the fun guests will be having, the night does have a serious mission: raising funds for programming and services. All of the proceeds from the night will go back to the Suffolk chapter of the Red Cross.

“It’s a way to come and show support for the local chapter,” Greene said. “And in this economy, we try to be real careful and conscientious of not pricing ourselves out for too much, but still offering people a really great night.”

The event, complete with a buffet dinner and cocktail hour, will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Conference Center. Also planned for the night is live entertainment by “Touch of Spice.”

But the highlight of the evening might be the auctions. Among the items up for silent and live auctions include a weeklong trip to Emerald Isle, a romantic vacation package, photography sessions and merchandise donated by QVC.

Mike Duman of Duman Auto Sales will be the celebrity auctioneer for the evening.

Additionally, there will be a diamond jewelry raffle, compliments of D.B. Bowles.

Any individual, business, civic or social club that would like to become a part of this event by becoming a sponsor and donating an auction item should contact Greene.

Tickets to the Paint The Town Red Benefit & Auction may be purchased for $60 a piece. Call the Suffolk Chapter at 539-6645 for more information or email Ashley Greene at dev@suffolkarc.com. Tickets may be charged by phone, or bought in person at the Red Cross office on 157 North Main Street, Suite C.