The Heroes Campaign, held each March, is an excellent way for our chapter to raise the funds necessary to help meet our lifesaving commitments to the local communities we serve. The goal is to involve as many people from our community as possible.

The concept is very simple. People of all ages can serve as Heroes for the American Red Cross by committing to raise $1,000 during the campaign period. You may raise funds in a variety of ways. You may work alone or may choose to involve your company, civic club, church, or school in your fund-raising efforts.

Examples of how to raise the money include: individuals collecting pledges from friends and family through online social networking, clubs holding car washes, a business holding a dress down day, or you asking your friends, neighbors, relatives or colleagues to make you a Hero. Everyone can be part of this grassroots campaign by donating a dollar for a Red Cross Square.

All money raised here, stays here.

Examples of how others have become HEROES:

• A college fraternity raised their $1,000 from members and parents.
• An auto dealership offered to give $25 for each time someone took a test drive for a three-week period and raised $1,450.
• A popular radio disc jockey asked listeners to make him a hero and raised $3,300.
• A restaurant asked each customer to donate change after paying their tab and raised $1,600.
• One person sent a letter to her closest friends and neighbors asking for a contribution. Another person hosted a luncheon and asked invited guests to make a minimum donation that would total $1,000 or more.
• A high school service club held a car wash and raised $1,120.
• Four bank branches sold Red Cross Squares to customers and raised $2,400.

To find out how you or an organization or group can become a hero for the Red Cross, contact Sandy Gaspar, director of development at 610-865-4400, ext. 258 or at GasparS@usa.redcross.org, for more information.