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April 2, 2022

Looking to help? Become a Volunteer for the Volunteer State

By Janae' Daniels, American Red Cross volunteer

Are you looking for a way to make an impact in your community? Not sure where to start? Try volunteering for your local American Red Cross chapter.  

Tennessee has eight regional chapters that offer opportunities from training volunteers to respond to disasters and supporting blood drives to connecting families to community resources during disaster. Volunteers make up 90 percent of the humanitarian work for the Red Cross.  

Many people associate the American Red Cross with blood donations or donating money in times of disaster. There are virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities for everyone.  

 

In 2021, Tennessee volunteers logged more than 318,500 hours working for the American Red Cross local chapters. More than 6.6 million people are served by Tennessee Region Red Cross volunteers.  

 

The greatest need is for disaster volunteers who respond in rural counties throughout Tennessee, blood donor ambassadors and blood transport volunteers in the Nashville area. 

 

Disaster Services 

• Disaster Relief Volunteer: you provide immediate assistance to victims of local and national disasters (such as fires, floods, tornados, etc.).  

• Disaster Action Team (DAT) Member: you prepare for and respond to disasters of all sizes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Volunteers provide disaster relief to meet the emergency needs of people affected by house fires, storms, tornadoes, floods, transportation accidents, and man-made disasters.  

 

Blood Collection Support 

• Blood Donor Ambassador: you will engage donors by greeting, registering, answering questions, providing information, and supporting them through the recovery process at the refreshments table.
• Transportation Specialist:  you will be the critical link between blood donors and blood recipients by delivering blood, platelets or other blood products to a hospital. 

 

To get started with your volunteer journey, go to RedCross.org/Volunteer.

Pesterfield Joins East Tennessee Red Cross as Disaster Program Specialist

By Mariwyn Evans, American Red Cross volunteer

James Pesterfield, a life-long resident of Blount County, has joined the East Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross as a Disaster Program Specialist. He will be responsible for working with volunteers and government partners in preparation, response and recovery efforts for the 14 counties served by the chapter. The disaster response team of about 72 disaster action volunteers and eight individual disaster care caseworkers respond to home fires, flooding and other disasters. An additional 83 mass care volunteers and caseworkers support victims and help them find housing, food and replacements for necessary medications or oxygen in the days and weeks following a disaster. 

“A big part of my job is meetings and training sessions with volunteers,” says Pesterfield. “Volunteering during a disaster can be stressful, so I try to make sure my team is confident they know their jobs before they go into the field.” 

Recruiting and retaining volunteers is made much easier by the “approachable, family atmosphere” of the East Tennessee chapter, notes Pesterfield. “Our entire office maintains an open-door policy so volunteers can come in with questions or just to say ‘hello’.” During Covid-19 restrictions, the ‘open door’ was virtual, but now “I’m so glad we are back working disasters in person and that volunteers can just drop by,” he says.  

Although Pesterfield only began his new job in late January, he brings a wealth of experience to the position. For two years, he had worked as a volunteer in the disaster relief, partnering with his supervisor Kristin Rice, manager of the Disaster Program. “James truly lives up to the Red Cross mission to serve others and to help our team grow. I am so excited to bring him on as a Disaster Program Specialist,” says Rice. 

Pesterfield’s background as an Emergency Medical Technician also gives him a unique understanding of his new position. “Until I was injured, I used to work on an ambulance for a 24-hour shift. It teaches you how to handle tricky situations and compartmentalize your feelings. I try to have frank conversations with our volunteers so that they will be prepared for the trauma they may face and be less stressed,” he says. 

Pesterfield believes his long history with the Red Cross is also a plus in his new position. In 2009, he began volunteering with the Medical Response Team at University of Tennessee football games, eventually becoming program coordinator. “We are responsible for more than 102,000 fans and 3,000 to 4,000 staff at each home game,” he says. Two years ago, when the program was taken over by the university, Pesterfield shifted his Red Cross volunteering to disaster management. He still oversees first-aid at UT football games as an independent contractor.  

How does he de-stress from his demanding new job? “I go over scenarios with my wife,” he says. “And I take a day off to go hiking or camping. You must have a healthy outlet and know when to take a break.”  

On the Road with a Lifesaving Load

Travels with a Red Cross Biomedical Transportation Specialist 

By Mariwyn Evans, Red Cross volunteer

When Donovan Caballero retired from teaching fifth grade math and science in 2020, he knew he wanted to find a way to pay back and make a difference in his community. He also knew he needed a volunteer job that would let him set his own schedule.   

“I wanted to continue substitute teaching, as well as have time for hiking, traveling, and spending time with family,” Caballero says.  “So, I sought an opportunity that gave me the flexibility to choose my own days to volunteer.”  He found his perfect match as a biomedical transportation specialist for the Tennessee Region of the American Red Cross.   

Caballero first learned about the Red Cross’s need for biomedical transport while volunteering as a Blood Ambassador at Red Cross blood drives, a volunteer job he still does.  “I check donors in and ensure they feel welcome and appreciated,” he explains. “I often run into former students or people in my neighborhood.”  

Once he’d learned about the transportation job through the local Red Cross website, it took about a couple of months to complete the qualification process. “The Red Cross did a background check and reviewed my driving record,” he says. Now on an average of once a week, Caballero signs up on the Red Cross Volunteer Connection website and choose the day and route that fits his schedule. 

On his selected day, he picks up a Red Cross truck, loads critical blood and blood products, and drives them to area hospitals and medical centers. On an average three-hour shift, he may make two or three stops, all carefully mapped out for him. “The Red Cross makes it very easy with directions on exactly where you need to go. Some of those hospital complexes are huge, and if it’s your first time delivering, it’s easy to make a wrong turn,” he jokes. 

Caballero also enjoys the personal “quiet” time he has when driving. “It gives me time to think and reflect on how blessed I am,” he says. “Or I can turn up the radio.  It’s very relaxing unless I encounter road construction.”  

Still, the greatest reward for Caballero is that he is making a difference. “The hospital staff is always so grateful, and there is such a critical need for blood today. I feel like I’m giving back something important to my community while still being able to do the other things I enjoy.” 

To find out more about how you can volunteer as a biomedical transport specialist, go to redcross.org/deliver.  

12th Annual Red Boa Ball for the American Red Cross Announced for April 2

MEMPHIS, Tenn., (March 3, 2022)— The American Red Cross, Mid-South Chapter will host the 12^th annual Red Boa Ball at Memphis Botanic Garden on April 2. This event is held as Red Cross Month concludes in March and is one of the best fundraising parties in Memphis. Funds raised from the ball will help the Red Cross deliver critical services to the community. 

The exciting event helps begin Spring social season with a cocktail reception, seated dinner, dancing, and live entertainment. The ticketed event also includes a live and silent auction. 

“The Red Boa Ball is not only one of our more high-profile events,” said John Brown, the chapter’s executive director. “It is also a great night of fun and fellowship with supporters who are there to make sure the many critical services that are provided to the Mid-South area by the American Red Cross can continue. This night of fun at the Red Boa Ball will ensure our community can have the services our citizens deserve during their time of need.” 

The event is proudly supported by the First Horizon Bank and the Mid-South Board of Directors. Other sponsors for the ball include: Baptist Memorial Hospital- Memphis, Hutton Insurance, Lipscomb and Pitts Insurance, Glo Medical Aesthetics. 

The cocktail reception begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Memphis Botanic Garden at 750 Cherry Road in Memphis and tickets are on sale as follows:

·  Individual ticket: $150

·  Couples ticket: $250

For additional information go to RedCross.org/RedBoaBall

American Red Cross Nissan Lifesaver Luncheon Scheduled for March 29

 

Keynote speaker and Red Cross volunteer, singer Amy Grant, to help celebrate

local women in philanthropy

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 3, 2022 – The American Red Cross, Nashville Area Chapter will host the Nissan Lifesaver Luncheon at Belmont University on March 29. This year’s event will be held at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University in Nashville. This event is held during Red Cross Month and is one of the largest celebrations of the Red Cross service and fundraiser for mission delivery to the citizens of Tennessee.

 

Grammy award winning artist, Amy Grant, will be the keynote speaker for the luncheon. Grant, a singer and songwriter who is also a member of the Red Cross’ National Celebrity Cabinet, is widely known for her philanthropy and tireless involvement in local causes and charitable organizations.

 

The chapter will honor several women who have made significant impacts in Tennessee with their philanthropic work. The honorees include:

·         Humanitarian Award: The Women of the Lynn Family, Loretta Lynn and Tayla Lynn

·         Mission Award: Danielle Breezy, chief meteorologist - WKRN News2

·         Nashville Area Volunteer Award: Denisha White

·         Lifesaver Award: Katie Crumbo, FNP-BC

 

The chapter will also honor Brentwood resident and Red Cross Board Member, Jennifer Wolcott with the Clara Barton Award. Clara Barton, the American Red Cross founder, was vigilant in her dedication to the mission of the Red Cross 140 years ago.

 

“We are honored to celebrate these amazing women in philanthropy and also to highlight the tireless work of Jennifer Wolcott,” said Joel Sullivan, regional executive director for the Red Cross Tennessee Region. “She is a constant supporter of our mission, but also takes time to donate blood regularly and has deployed to serve on several disaster responses. Mrs. Wolcott represents Clara Barton’s vision for the overall mission and represents her true servant’s heart.”

 

Lifesaver tickets are on sale now for in-person and virtually for $75 online at RedCross.org/Lifesaver. Tickets will also be available the day of at the door. Parking instructions for the Fisher Center are also available at the Lifesaver Luncheon website.   

  

The Red Cross wishes to thank our presenting sponsor Nissan for their continued support.  

 

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, 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 deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.  

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American Red Cross Southeast Tennessee Heroes Luncheon set for March 31

 

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., March 3, 2022 – The American Red Cross, Southeast Tennessee Chapter will host the Heroes Luncheon at The Chattanoogan Hotel on March 31. This event is one of the largest celebrations of the Red Cross in the Chattanooga area and serves as a time to recognize our local heroes who make a difference in the community every day.

 

The Keynote Speaker for this year’s event is Dr. Fran P. Mainella. Dr. Mainella is a visiting scholar at Clemson University Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. She is also President of Fran Mainella Consulting, LLC. Previously, Director Mainella served nearly six years as the 16th Director and the first woman to lead the National Park Service. Fran served twelve years as Director of Florida's State Parks, which received the Gold Medal Award, recognizing Florida as the best state park system in the country. She has also served as executive director of the Florida Recreation and Park Association and as president of both the National Recreation and Park Association and the National Association of State Park Directors.

 

The chapter will honor several citizens who have been true heroes in Southeast Tennessee. The honorees include:

·         Call to Action Hero: Debra Socia

·         Hospital/Medical Hero: Dr. Matthew Kodsi, MD, PhD

·         Good Samaritan Hero: Matt Lovitt

·         Volunteer Hero: Malcom Seheult

The chapter will also honor Chattanooga resident and previous Board Chairwoman for the Red Cross, Rickie Pierce with the Humanitarian Award. This achievement award is given to the person who gives back in the community in several philanthropic ways to make a positive change.

 

“We are honored to celebrate all of our Heroes and to highlight the work of Mrs. Pierce,” said Julia Wright, executive director for the Red Cross Southeast Tennessee. “She has been a Red Cross volunteer for almost a decade and during that time was always such a leader and mentor in our organization. Her love for giving back, not only to Red Cross, but numerous charities in the area is unsurpassed. She has been a force for growing future women leaders for many of us.”

 

Heroes Luncheon tickets are on sale now for $75 online at RedCross.org/RealHeroes. More details on the event are also online.

  

The Red Cross wishes to thank our Platinum Sponsor TVA for their continued support.  

 

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, 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 deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.  

 

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Volunteer Spotlight: Ron Pasquale

By Briana Phillips, Red Cross volunteer

There is something for everyone as an American Red Cross volunteer. One great volunteer need currently is for biomedical transportation specialists. This volunteer position is critical in transporting blood products from the Red Cross to hospitals quickly for patients in need. 

One biomedical transportation specialist is Ron Pasquale, a volunteer from Davidson county. 

“Our main role is driving items from the Red Cross labs to different hospitals and clinics in the area in the Red Cross truck,” Pasquale said. “Our job is to help load up the truck and then drive to wherever the units of blood, plasma, and other materials need to be delivered.”

This is a job that is easy for people to do whether they work a full-time position or are looking for something to do after retirement. “I’m retired after being a sales manager for several years,” he said. “About six months ago, I was looking for a way to stay busy doing something meaningful. I like driving anyway and the position seemed like the perfect way to spend my time.”

These volunteers arrive at the Red Cross lab in Nashville and are directed each day to where the blood from giving donors will be destined. Driving takes up much of the position, so it is perfect for anyone who enjoys being behind the wheel and making a real impact in their community. 

“Once I reach my stop at area hospitals, I’ll help unload the materials and sometimes pick up equipment to get back to the Red Cross. I take care of the car so it’s ready for the next driver. Write down my ending mileage for the vehicle and that’s all there is to it!”

Volunteers who are interested in the position complete a driving test prior to driving any routes. Once the test is passed, drivers learn where the hospitals and clinics are that they will deliver to. “Staff at the Red Cross are always helpful to let you know where to go for pickups and drop-offs,” Pasquale added. 

He says the position is very flexible and Red Cross asks volunteers to work at least two shifts a month, but you can volunteer to drive as much as you want. Volunteers can work the schedules that work for them. 

“I have recommended this position to several of my friends already! The Red Cross really gives you all the tools you need to do the job well and make a difference in your community. It’s a great way to spend a couple afternoons a month knowing that you are helping others.”

If you’re interested in becoming a biomedical transportation specialist, head over to the Red Cross website to find opportunities in your area. redcross.org/volunteertoday