"It was seamless," the boss told Miller-Keystone Blood Center Director of Development Sandra Thomas. A board member also complimented Thomas' work. "Job well done!"

Thomas said the compliments were similar to the praise she has been hearing about the recent fundraising gala held at SteelStacks.

"It makes me feel that all the work was worthwhile."

More than 450 people attended "Cruise Aboard the Lifeline," a Roaring 20s -themed event which, besides raising money for Miller-Keystone, gave everyone a chance to dress up in their best 1920s look.

While this was an ocean cruise-themed party, Thomas - the person at the helm - is a real-life navy lieutenant in the reserves. She is used to having things ship shape while on "her watch."

Thomas was dressed in gangster pinstripes but when it comes to "running a tight ship," she was all business.

She was assisted by a strong contingent of volunteers like Laura Robinson, an officer at the Bar Association of Lehigh County.

"I would like to thank the many people who have donated their time and resources to make this event a success," said master of ceremonies John T. Yurconic, president of the John Yurconic Agency.

Miller-Keystone Blood Center serves as the exclusive blood supplier of blood products to 26 hospitals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In 2013, according to President-CEO Peter Castagna Jr., the company had nearly 95,000 donors and processed over 151,000 blood products.

"The need for blood exists every day," Castagna said. "In our region alone, we need more than 450 people to walk through our doors daily to meet the transfusion needs of our area hospitals. There is no substitute for blood; the only source is the volunteer blood donor."