Anastacia to Sing at Monaco Red Cross Gala

08/05/2005 1:30 PM, AP


Pop singer Anastacia will entertain guests at Monaco's glitzy Red Cross gala on Friday, where tickets sold for $1,200 a plate.

For the first time in the annual gala's history, Prince Rainier III will be absent. The prince died in March after ruling this tiny Riviera principality for 56 years.

The new ruler of Monaco, Prince Albert II — son of Rainier and Hollywood star Grace Kelly — will attend the ball's 57th edition Friday with the rest of the royal family, a palace spokeswoman said.

About 1,000 guests will wine and dine the night away at Monaco's casino, where a glowing neon red cross will hang over the entryway. A fireworks show over the Mediterranean will close the evening.

Founded in 1947 by Rainier's grandfather, Prince Louis II, the Monaco Red Cross funds both domestic social projects and international rescue efforts.

Organizers hope to raise more than €1 million (US$1.24 million), mostly through ticket sales.