Red Cross Continues to Assist Tornado Victims

 Red Cross volunteers, Bob Stafford and Drex Freeman

In the aftermath of the devastating tornadoes and severe storms that ripped through Lincoln and surrounding counties on Monday,  Red Cross has mobilized dozens of volunteers, opened an emergency shelter, and is working to meet immediate emergency needs for those who have been affected.   

"Today, volunteers will continue conducting damage assessments of affected homes in the community and canvassing the area to provide mobile feeding for emergency workers, clean-up crews and those affected by the storm," said Chapter Executive, Mike Cowles. 

A box truck has also been set up to provide bulk clean-up items such as gloves, buckets, rakes, garbage bags etc.  The truck will be located at:

Park City Baptist Church
2809 Huntsville Hwy
Fayetteville, TN

Although there were no residents overnight on Tuesday, an emergency shelter has also been set up for affected residents at: 

Fayetteville Recreation Center
1203 Winchester Highway
Fayetteville, Tennessee 37334

HOW TO HELP:  Every year, the Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters ranging from a home fire involving one family to larger disasters like hurricanes and wildfires that impact entire communities. If someone would like to help, they can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 

Red Cross Opens Shelter to Assist Tornado Victims in Southern Middle Tennessee

The Tennessee Volunteer Region of the American Red Cross has mobilized dozens of volunteers, two emergency response vehicles, and disaster relief supplies to help meet emergency needs for those who have been affected by the tornado ravaged areas in Lincoln, Moore and surrounding counties.

"Over the next few days, volunteers will be canvassing affected communities to provide mobile feeding, pass out relief supplies, and helping to meet disaster-related health needs such as replacing lost medications and medical equipment," said Mike Cowles, Heart of Tennessee Chapter Executive.

An emergency shelter will open on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. for affected residents at: 

Fayetteville Recreation Center

1203 Winchester Highway
Fayetteville, Tennessee 37334

The fastest way to find an open Red Cross shelter is to visit redcross.org or iPhone users can download a free Red Cross Shelter View app from the app store.  You can also view open shelters through and of our free mobile disaster apps.  If you don’t have access to a computer or iPhone, call1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to be connected to your local chapter.  Shelter locations are updated every 30 minutes, so it may take a few minutes for new shelters to appear.

HOW TO HELP:  Every year, the Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters ranging from a home fire involving one family to larger disasters like hurricanes and wildfires that impact entire communities. If someone would like to help, they can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Between the Storms

As the Tennessee Volunteer Region of the American Red Cross responds to the devastating tornado in Lincoln County, we are also preparing for another round of storms forecasted for this evening.

Lincoln County

Earlier today, two mobile feeding units left Nashville to provide food and comfort kits containing items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, shaving supplies and other items families affected by the storm may have lost. Eight teams of volunteers are assessing the immediate needs of those affected. Red Cross assistance typically includes temporary shelter, financial assistance for food and replacement clothing, replacement medication, and emotional counseling and support.

Red Cross Volunteers Tom and Rene King depart to assist tornado victims in Lincoln County.

Ways to help Lincoln County

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you can download our Team App on iTunes or on the Google Play stores.

 

If you would like to give a financial contribution please visit redcross.org or text Red Cross to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

 

Get prepared for Round Two

A chance of severe weather is forecast for Tennessee tonight. Many areas of Tennessee could receive severe thunderstorms, flooding, tornadoes and straight line winds.

Get a Kit

Here is a list of things you should have in your kit:

·         Water – 1 gallon per person per day for three days

·         Non-perishable food

·         Flashlight – (never use candles)

·         Radio

·         Cellphone

·         First Aid Kit

·         Multi-purpose tool

·         Medical supplies

·         Sanitary supplies

·         Cash

·         Emergency Blanket

·         Personal documents

 

 

Make a Plan

·         Meet with your family and establish a safe place to go in the home. A shelter, basement, cellar or low interior room without windows

·         Discuss emergency plans for home, work and school

·         Know how to turn off utilities including water, power and gas

Be Informed

·         Stay tuned to local media

·         Download Red Cross Apps

 The American Red Cross has people on the ground and will continue to stay involved until all those affected immediate needs are met.

Red Cross Volunteers Mobilize to Assist Tornado Victims

Volunteers Mobilize Today to Help Families Displaced from

Homes in Lincoln and Surrounding Counties

 

Only one day after tornadoes slammed Arkansas and several other states, severe weather threatened again Monday and tornadoes swept across Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee.  The Red Cross is currently mobilizing volunteers, two emergency response vehicles, and disaster relief supplies to help meet emergency needs for those who have been affected by the tornado ravaged areas in Lincoln, Moore and surrounding counties.

“Our hearts go out to those that have lost their loved ones, homes and personal belongings in this devastating tornado,” said Chapter Executive, Mike Cowles. “We are working to get immediate relief to those who need our assistance.”

The Red Cross is also sending eight disaster assessment teams to the area today and will be assessing the needs for mobile feeding and clean-up supplies.  The relief organization encourages people who have been affected by the tornado to heed these safety tips as they begin their recovery efforts today as more severe weather is forecasted this afternoon:

 

·         Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions.

·         If you are away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.

·         Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes when examining your walls, doors, staircases and windows for damage.

·         Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report them to the utility company immediately. Stay out of damaged buildings.

·         Use battery-powered flashlights when examining buildings – do NOT use candles.

·         If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out of the building quickly and call the gas company or fire department.

·         Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims.

·         Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

·         Keep all of your animals under your direct control.

·         Clean up spilled medications, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids that could become a fire hazard.

·         Check for injuries. If you are trained, provide first aid to persons in need until emergency responders arrive.

The fastest way to find an open Red Cross shelter is to visit www.redcross.org or iPhone users can download a free Red Cross Shelter View app from the app store.  You can also view open shelters through and of our free mobile disaster apps.  If you don’t have access to a computer or iPhone, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to be connected to your local chapter.  Shelter locations are updated every 30 minutes, so it may take a few minutes for new shelters to appear.

HOW TO HELP:  Every year, the Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters ranging from a home fire involving one family to larger disasters like hurricanes and wildfires that impact entire communities. If someone would like to help, they can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Register the Location of Your Storm Shelter

Davidson County, Tennessee residents that have a storm shelter are encouraged to register the location of their shelter or underground safe room at maps.nashville.gov/StormShelterRegistry, which is the website for the Nashville Office of Emergency Management Nashville and Davidson County Storm Shelter Registry.

After a weather-related emergency, your storm shelter information will be used to aid emergency personnel in locating and rendering aid to your family.

If you need assistance while registering, email oem@nashville.gov or call 615-862-8530.

Red Cross Poised to Respond to Severe Weather

Flood and tornado apps can help save lives

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sunday, April 27, 2014 — Red Cross volunteers and staff across the Tennessee Volunteer Region in Middle and West Tennessee are on stand-by and ready to respond to assist anyone who may be affected by the dangerous severe weather outbreak that is forecasted to strike over the next three days. 

“The Red Cross wants to encourage everyone to understand the importance of being prepared and to know what to do in the event of a tornado or flood that may be caused by this storm system,” said Joel Sullivan, Regional CEO of the Tennessee Volunteer Region.  “Download our free Red Cross tornado and flood apps now, to get life-saving safety tools in the palm of your hand before disaster strikes.”

Red Cross mobile apps provide expert, emergency information when and where you need it. These free apps gives iPhone, iPad and Android smart phone users instant access to local and real-time information, so they know what to do before, during and after a flood or a tornado. The content is available in English and Spanish based on the user’s language settings on their mobile device. The app includes location-based, audible NOAA tornado, flood and flash flood watches and warnings – even if the app is closed.

Other features of the apps include:

·        One-touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to send a message letting family and friends know that they are out of harm’s way;

·        Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity;

·        Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm to let others know where you are;

·        Locations of open Red Cross shelters;

·        Real-time recovery resources for returning home and cleaning up; and

·        Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.

 

The Flood and Tornado Apps, along with the others, can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps. Apps can help prepare people for disasters, but they are not a substitute for training. Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED training empowers people to know how to respond to emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed. People can visit redcross.org/takeaclass for course information and to register.
 
Guides on what to do before, during and after a tornado or severe storm are also available on redcross.org. You can use checklists to gather supplies and make sure your family has a plan, and even get clarifications on severe weather myths and facts. 

The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters each year and helps people get ready to respond to emergencies by providing these preparedness apps for free. The Red Cross needs the help of the public to continue this lifesaving effort. People can make a donation to the Red Cross by going to redcross.org, texting REDCROSS to 90999 or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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Vote for Red Cross for First Tennessee 150 Days of Giving

An important message from Regional CEO, Joel Sullivan:

You may have already heard the news about this exciting state-wide initiative, but we are very pleased to announce that our community partners at First Tennessee Bank just celebrated their 150th birthday on March 25th, 2014.  For 150 days, from now until August 9^th, they are giving away $5,000 per day for each non-profit organization that gets the most votes.  We need your NOW to help the Red Cross win! 

The Mid-South Chapter and the Nashville Area Chapter of the American Red Cross are still in the running to win $5,000 each! All you need to do is VOTE for “American Red Cross of the Mid-South” and “American Red Cross Nashville” to help us win and then share the message on your e-mail and social media networks so others can vote too!  Make sure to click the blue “Vote” button directly underneath our Chapter logo or name on the First Tennessee website to place your vote.  You can vote on every day on every electronic device you have access to since there is no log in information required to vote.  Remember to vote on your desktop computer, laptop, tablet, mobile phone, etc. and encourage others to do so as well.  ALL votes are cumulative for each organization, so all of your previous votes will still count!

In summary, here are 3 easy steps you can take to help us win:

1)      VOTE for the Mid-South and Nashville Area Chapters every day on all your electronic devices.

2)      Help us spread the word through your own social media and e-mail networks.

3)      Feel good about helping us raise $10,000 ($5k for each Chapter) so we can provide help & hope to those who need us! J

This gift of $5,000 can provide food and shelter to 25 families for 1 day in a shelter.  This service includes providing breakfast, lunch and dinner, the costs to mobilize and distribute a cot, two blankets and a comfort kit as well as the costs of Red Cross workers to provide this relief. 

We appreciate your support!

 
Sincerely,

Joel Sullivan

Regional CEO – Tennessee Volunteer Region

---

Sample social media messages that you can share to help get the word out:

 

MID-SOUTH (MEMPHIS)

FACEBOOK / LINKEDIN

First Tennessee Foundation is celebrating 150 years by giving $5,000 to a different nonprofit every day for 150 days – and you get to decide where the money goes! A few seconds of your time can make a huge difference. Vote now for American Red Cross of the Mid-South. You don't have to register and you can vote more than once by using a different device. http://ow.ly/vi405

$5K x 30 secs = 150 Days of Giving from First TN! All you have to remember is 5x30=150.  The American Red Cross Mid-South Chapter will receive 5K when you take 30 seconds to vote on each device to celebrate First TN 150 Days of Giving!

Vote for American Red Cross of the Mid-South in First Tennessee Foundation's 150 Days of Giving program. You can vote once daily from any device to help us win $5,000 to support our lifesaving mission. http://ow.ly/vi405

TWITTER

First Tennessee Foundation is giving $5,000 a day for 150 days!  Vote for American Red Cross of the Mid-South http://ow.ly/vi405

 Vote TODAY for “American Red Cross of the Mid-South” to win $5,000 http://ow.ly/vi405

NASHVILLE

FACEBOOK / LINKEDIN

First Tennessee Foundation is celebrating 150 years by giving $5,000 to a different nonprofit every day for 150 days – and you get to decide where the money goes! A few seconds of your time can make a huge difference. Vote now for American Red Cross Nashville. You don't have to register and you can vote more than once by using a different device. http://ow.ly/vi405

$5K x 30 secs = 150 Days of Giving from First TN! All you have to remember is 5x30=150.  The American Red Cross Nashville Area Chapter will receive 5K when you take 30 seconds to vote on each device to celebrate First TN 150 Days of Giving!

Vote for American Red Cross Nashville in First Tennessee Foundation's 150 Days of Giving program. You can vote once daily from any device to help us win $5,000 to support our lifesaving mission. http://ow.ly/vi405

TWITTER

First Tennessee Foundation is giving $5,000 to 1 nonprofit a day for 150 days!  Vote for American Red Cross Nashville http://ow.ly/vi405

Vote TODAY for “American Red Cross Nashville” to win $5,000 http://ow.ly/vi405

DAT+GRAM - Nashville Area Chapter - 4/24/14

Red Cross Mash Bash Event to Celebrate 5th Year

Event Features Live Music, BBQ Dinner and Silent Auction

Tickets are now sale for the 5^th Annual Red Cross Mash Bash event!  The Mash Bash is being held on Barbeque Hill this year at the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg, TN on Saturday, June 7^th from 6-9 p.m.  Red Cross volunteers are selling tickets for $40 per person or they can be purchased online at redcross.org/2014MashBash  Ticket cost includes food, beverages and live music. 

“We are thankful to each of our sponsors and everyone in the community who comes out to support the mission of the Red Cross and to enjoy our Mash Bash each year,” said Mike Cowles, Heart of Tennessee Chapter Executive.  “The Mash Bash helps provide vital funding so that we have the infrastructure and resources to respond to disasters large and small, down the street and across the country, 24 hours a day.”

Current sponsors include:  Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Murfreesboro Medical Clinic, Scott Jones Investments, Ascend Federal Credit Union, Southern Community Bank, Special Touch Disaster Restoration, Deb Insell - State Farm Insurance and the Lynchburg Veterinary Hospital.

Company sponsorships are still available and range from $250 - $2500 and include event tickets based on giving levels.  All proceeds collected through ticket sales and company sponsorships will go to help the local Red Cross to assist victims of local disasters, such as fires, floods and tornadoes.  The event is a casual affair with country flair, where everyone is invited to come and enjoy music performed by ‘Live from Ventura Boulevard Unplugged’, a barbeque dinner, beverages and a relaxed atmosphere, all while supporting a worthy cause.

To purchase tickets or to get more information, please call 615.893.4272 ext. 104 or purchase your tickets online at redcross.org/2014MashBash4. For everyone’s safety, all guests should have a designated driver for the evening.  All designated drivers will be given a wrist band when entering and allowed one alcoholic beverage for the evening.

The Red Cross is NOT a government agency and depends on generous gifts from the community to respond to disasters around the clock and around the block.  This fundraiser will help your local Red Cross serve your neighbors in need in your community every day!  The event will be held at Jack Daniels Distillery rain or shine.

To become a 2014 event sponsor, to purchase tickets or for more information contact the Red Cross at 615.893.4272 ext. 104 or via e-mail at Deena.Cruz@redcross.org

DAT+GRAM - Nashville Area Chapter - 4/16/14

Purple Up! for Military Kids

On Tuesday, April 15th, "Purple Up! For Military Kids" encouraged everyone to wear the color purple as a visible way to show support and thank military youth for their strength and sacrifices. Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, as it is the combination of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red and Navy blue.

Nashville Area Red Cross staff members and volunteers were proud to wear purple to show their support!

Meet Our Interns

We are excited to introduce you to three new faces at the Heart of Tennessee chapter! Say, "hello," to our fabulous interns:

Erika Yebuah

Greetings, everyone! I attend Middle Tennessee State University, where I am a graduate student studying health and human performance. My long-term goal in life is to one day operate my own orphanage in Ghana, West Africa and my passion is helping orphaned children. Ever since I can remember, I have always had a heart for children and their well-being.

I recently joined the Red Cross family this year as an intern and volunteer in the Disaster Cycle Services department. The organization has allowed me to see the behind-the-scenes processes and has shown me what goes on during a disaster and how the Red Cross works with the local community to come together to assist those in need.

While here, I have assisted with various tasks. Some of the activities I have done are; planning fundraising events, accountability in finances, great organizational and communication skills and disaster relief aid. All in all, my internship has shown me how to run an organization, and the patience and skills needed to be successful in not only running an organization, but having longevity and networks within the community.

This opportunity has been incredible for me. I am a small-town girl from Smyrna, TN, and I have really enjoyed being a part of the American Red Cross, a respected organization that is internationally known.


Lauren Fort

Hi! My name is Lauren Fort and I am 22 years old and a 2014 graduate from Middle Tennessee State University. When I graduate, I will have a degree in Family and Consumer Science with concentration in Child Development and Family Studies. I joined the American Red Cross as an intern for 300 hours. I decided to work with the Red Cross because I have always admired what all they do not only locally and nationally, but internationally as well.

I have done a variety of things during the course of my internship and have gotten the opportunity to meet and work with a lot of awesome people! I’ve helped to work on community recognition projects such as the Heroes Luncheon, Heroes Breakfast and Mash Bash. I’ve also gotten to know many of the volunteers and worked with them on shelter updates and gone out to a couple of shelter sites to get hands on experience!

Being a part of the Heart of Tennessee Red Cross Chapter has been a ton of fun! I can’t thank their team enough for the kindness and compassion they have shown me throughout my time here. The American Red Cross is such a dedicated and awesome organization and I am very fortunate to have had this opportunity to serve my community in this way.


Ukyeye Wilt

Hello! I am a senior at Middle Tennessee State University. My major is Organizational Communication and minor in African American Studies. I am so passionate about non-profits and I hope to be a consultant to them someday. I would love to make a living helping businesses become better and helping them efficiently serve the community.

I wanted to work with the Red Cross because their dedication to their community and the world is so inspiring. I am happy to be able to do a small part in making a big difference.

Introducing Our Volunteer of the Month, Mark Parsons

Congratulations!

"The opportunity to volunteer with the Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross is a fantastic experience. Disaster Cycle Services, Blood Services, and Preparedness, Health & Safety Services, International Services, and Service to Armed Forces all come together to prevent and alleviate human suffering. Volunteering with the Red Cross is very rewarding, and I would highly recommend joining this great organization!"
~Mark Parsons

Get to Know Red Cross Hero: Scott Toncray

Scott Toncray, Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer

Scott began his Red Cross volunteer career with the Tennessee Volunteer Region in 2012. He had been involved with his Red Cross Chapter in Orlando prior to moving to Nashville. Since becoming a Red Cross Life-Guard and Water Safety Instructor as a teen, Scott has developed a genuine love and appreciation for the organization over the years.

As he has advanced in his career as a PR professional, owning his own Public Relations firm, Scott has continued to support the Communications Team by serving as the Volunteer Partner for the Regional Communicator. In addition to serving as a member of the volunteer Communications Committee, Scott was also recently promoted to the National Advanced Public Affairs Team to serve as a national media spokesperson after major disasters. This is an honor that is only awarded to a handful of Red Cross volunteers and staff members each year. Whenever disaster strikes, Scott is ready to respond.


We sat down with Scott for a quick Q&A.

What do you keep in the trunk of your car?
I’m Red Cross Ready. First Aid kit and shovel.

What do you love most about volunteering with the American Red Cross?
Helping those affected by disasters by providing them with important, timely, relevant and accurate information.

Which superhero is your favorite?
Spiderman – he was a photojournalist.

Red Cross Helps Celebrate Month of the Military Child

In Tennessee, Governer Haslam has proclaimed April 2014 as "Month of the Military Child" and the Tennessee Volunteer Region of the American Red Cross is proud to celebrate our youngest heroes. This month is set aside to recognize the special contribution that the military child makes as their parent or parents serve our nation.

The Nashville Area Chapter hosted a special event called “Military Kids Serve Too” on Friday, April 4th in the Nashville Area Red Cross auditorium. 30 children from all military branches and components attended and received a challenge coin at the event.

Major General Terry M. “Max” Haston and Mrs. Anne Haston attended the event to show their support for military children. “When we have to go away, it hurts our hearts to leave our families,” said Major General Haston as he addressed the group of attendees. He encouraged the children to stay strong and reminded them how much their sacrifice is appreciated. 

The Red Cross is also grateful to partners Operation Military Kids and the Tennessee National Guard Child and Youth Program for helping to make this inaugural event a success to recognize military children in our community.

 

To view more photos from the event, please click here.

 

More of Our Red Cross Heroes

In honor of National Volunteer Week, we'd like to introduce you to a few of our very own superheroes. We sat down with some of our star volunteers for a quick Q&A:

Meet David Buchanan! (pictured on the left)

What do you love most about volunteering with the American Red Cross?
I experience great peace working with such great volunteers (and staff) assisting someone who is hurting or in need.

What is your favorite movie?
"Cars"

How long have you volunteered with the Red Cross?

4 years

Meet Nita Gamache! (pictured on the right)

What brought you to volunteer?
Aid classes taught by Red Cross volunteers, father in the Air Force, saw my first twister as a toddler in West Texas, lived through the Loma Prieta earthquake in California, and lived less than ½ mile away from Richland Creek neighborhood that lost lives during the Nashville flood of 2010. I wanted to help support my community.

In what line(s) of service do you volunteer?
Disaster Mental Health Services, Instructor for Psychological First Aid, Disaster Action Team, and other roles as needed.

If you moved to Sesame Street who would you want to be your neighbor?
Cookie Monster, I love hot Reese's Peanut Butter cookies out of the oven!

Meet Christine Hall!

In what line(s) of service do you volunteer?
Preparedness Health and Safety Services

How long have you volunteered?
6 months

What do you love most about volunteering with the American Red Cross?
The friendliness of the people.

Southeast Tennessee Chapter Update - April 2014

Southeast Tennessee Chapter Update
From the Desk of Greg Waite, Chapter CEO

I can’t believe it’s been over a month since my last update – my apologies for being silent when there is so much going on.  March wrapped up Red Cross Month and April is in full swing as we honor volunteers this week part of National Volunteer Week. March and April are my favorite times of the year, because it helps us showcase everyday the work that you our volunteers, donors and partners help us to carry out the other 10 months of the year. Some may choose the holidays as their favorite but I like these months most, because you're  the backbone of our organization.

• On Monday, we honored leadership volunteers at the 2^nd Annual Leadership Luncheon and recognized Johnny Hooker & Will Rowe as this year’s Outstanding Volunteers. We also bestowed upon T. Arnold Ferguson, Mary Pomerance, Art & Nan Schumacher. See photos from the outstanding luncheon, plus I invite you to watch a great video put together by volunteer Hannah Courtney looking back at 12 months of the Red Cross serving Southeast Tennessee.
• On Tuesday, we were honored to watch Rosemarie Asia & Ellen Valovcin represent us at the Greater Chattanooga United Way Volunteer Center – Volunteer of the Year Reception. Both women were honored for their outstanding service to the American Red Cross .Rosemarie in the Youth category and Ellen in the community category. We are so proud to have been represented by two great models of volunteerism. Congrats to both and thank you for what each of you do and how you inspire others to serve others in need. Photos are posted on Facebook, Twitter & Flick as always.

Plus, Thursday night the fun continues as we are hosting our first Red Cross Family Game Night and invite you to join us 6-8pm at our Chattanooga Office. Join us for food, fun and most of all door prizes. Yet another awesome event being put together just for you, our inspiring volunteers thanks to our #1 Volunteer Supporter, Faith Garner.

 

Volunteers & Agencies Respond to Jaycee Towers

March also was a very active month for local disasters including the Jaycee Towers response, aiding 80 of the 150 senior citizens with functional needs that were evacuated from the towers due to a fire that caused power to be cut to the building. Within 51 hours, 110 volunteers, 11 different agencies band together to aid those 80 residents with 2+ nights of shelter, food, medical & emotional care and more. It was a truly inspiring site to see unfold. I was truly impressed at how our entire disaster team took the lessons learned from Patten Towers and put them into action to better serve the residents of Jaycee Towers. Special thanks to John Hitchens, Glenda Bobalik, Will Rowe, Emily Fish, Jamie Lewis, Andrew Stephenson and the host of others who worked tirelessly on this event. In case you did not see it, I want to ensure you see two things: an article written about one of those shelter residents named Lili and a video that was captured from another shelter resident expressing their sincere thanks to all involved.

Dine Out for Disaster Relief was a Huge Success

22 restaurants in Chattanooga, Hixson and Cleveland took part to help make the inaugural event a huge success. We are projecting that more than $5,000 was raised on this day, plus an even larger impact made to our local economy. What I loved most about this event was the social media conversation, local media conversation, blog conversations and patrons at local restaurants all talking about the RED CROSS. It was truly inspiring to take part and watch unfold. Special thanks to Meredith Bullock & Jillian Ellis who spearheaded this event with the help of Community Development Manager Julia Wright. Way to go ladies – you rocked the restaurants. Looking forward to the next dine out event. Hopefully by then I can work off the RED CROSS calories I ate because hey it was for charity.

Nominate a Local HERO before April 15th

We are still searching the community for local heroes to recognize part of the 2014 Hometown Heroes Luncheon on Wednesday, May 14^th. There are 8 categories available and we need your help to find those everyday folks doing extraordinary things in our community. Help us spotlight someone you know by submitting an online nomination form online www.redcross.org/SETN, by e-mail to Greg.Waite@redcross.org  or by calling (423) 265-3455. All nominations are due by April 15th in order for our independent panel of volunteers to review each for merit and choose the best finaliists for each category.

 2014 Hometown Heroes Tickets Going Fast

We are very excited to announce that the 2014 Heroes Luncheon Speaker will be former UT Coach Phil Fulmer. Fulmer will join us for a VIP cocktail hour on Tuesday, May 13^th and the luncheon on Wednesday, May 14^th. Sponsorship packages including tickets to the VIP cocktail party are available now by contacting me greg.waite@redcross.org or (423) 265-3456. Be sure to mark your calendar and join us to hear Phil Fulmer and honor everyday heroes from our local community. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased online and remember, all proceeds benefit the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee.

Fill Up & Fuel Disaster Relief Launched

Now through December 31^st, fill up at participating Raceway Gas Stations at the Red Cross logoed pump and one cent of every gallon pumped on that pump will be donated to support disaster relief in Southeast Tennessee. Everyone needs gas – our goal is to ensure everyone knows we want them to consider filling up at Raceway Fuel Centers and especially look for the Red Cross pump. Need help finding locations click here.

Lake Winnie opens April 12^th & Your Admission can help us raise $$$
Beginning Saturday, April 12^th, Lake Winnie opens for weekends and by using our exclusive Red Cross coupon, you can save $5 of each persons’ admission in your party but also net the Red Cross a $2 donation. So if you take 4 people to the park, you save $20 and the Red Cross gets an $8 donation. Learn more about the promotion and get a copy of the coupon by clicking here.

10^th & Newest Mobile App released: FLOOD APP NOW AVAILABLE

The Red Cross has its newest app available on both ITUNES & ANDROID phone platforms, the Flood app features immediate alerts to dangerous conditions and is a must download for anyone that lives near any body of water. Ironic, as I am writing this, my FLOOD app is going off to continue alerting me to the ongoing FLOOD WARNING for Hamilton County & the South Chickamauga River (ironic, I think not, download a copy today!

Upcoming Events (including some events many months away)

·        April 6-12^th – Volunteer Appreciation Week events continue
·        April 12^th – Lake Winnie Opens (download your coupon to save & help us raise money)
·        May 3^rd – Regional Board Member Retreat (Location TBD)
·        May 13^th – 5 to 8pm Exclusive VIP Reception for Phil Fulmer, Chattanoogan Hotel
·        May 14^th – 11:30am 2014 Hometown Heroes Luncheon, Chattanoogan Hotel

As always, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all you do to support the Red Cross in each community we serve. We are on the path for great things to come and couldn’t do that without each of you, your support, time, sacrifice and dedication. Thanks!

Greg Waite  |  Chief Executive Officer

American Red Cross
Southeast Tennessee Chapter
4115 S. Access Road, Chattanooga, TN
Office: (423) 265-3455
E-mail: greg.waite@redcross.org