PALM BEACH, FL -- On Saturday, December 4, 2010, LIFE (Leaders In Furthering Education) will host the 17th annual "Lady in Red" Gala at The Mar-a-Lago Club, Palm Beach. This much anticipated start of the Palm Beach social season will begin at 6:30 pm with cocktails followed at 8:00 pm by dinner, dancing, and entertainment with the legendary Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr.. Lois Pope, Paul David Pope and Ari Rifkin are Chairmen, while Liz and Jeff Bateman will serve as Co-chairmen. Norma and Simon Fireman are Honorary Chairmen with Veronica and Alexis Mersentes as Grand Honorees.

Veronica Atkins Mersentes was born in Russia, during World War II, where the Nazis killed her father. She fled the war-torn country with her mother and sister. Soon after she began life involving the arts. Music has played an important role in her life. Veronica began singing in Europe at a young age and performed as a professional opera singer for 13 years.

K. Alexis Mersentes was also born during World War II, in Athens Greece, where at a very young age, he witnessed the execution of his father by the Nazis (accusing him of harboring and helping Jews flee Greece). Alexi's Father and grandfather were highly decorated in the Greek army, his grandfather returned to Greece from the United States to fight in World War I. Following the dreams of his father's, Alexis came to the United States to complete his higher education at the age of eighteen. He is an international businessman and a true bon vivant traveling the world. Alexis is referred to as a Renaissance man and philanthropist donating money for the causes he serves, including fatherless children from war and America's disabled veterans.

Today Veronica is actively involved in carrying on her late husband's legacy as chair of the Dr. Robert C. Atkins & Veronica Atkins Foundation; whose mission is to promote healthy lifestyles and fund ongoing research in the battle against obesity.

Veronica and her husband, Alexis, are both fluent in several languages enabling them to be involved with numerous charitable endeavors in the U.S. and abroad. Their main emphasis is children in need, Victims of war and disaster.

Grand Honorees, Veronica and Alexis Mersentes are graciously hosting a pre-party for LIFE supporters at their beautiful residence on November 27.

The "Lady in Red" Gala will begin at 6:30 pm with cocktails followed at 8:00 pm by dinner and dancing. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. Tickets to the "Lady In Red" Gala are $6oo per person, $500 for a junior ticket and attire is black-tie.

2010 "Lady in Red" Gala Star Ruby Corporate Benefactors are TIFFANY & CO., NETJETS, BRAMAN MOTOCARS & WELLS FARGO ADVISORS.