Betsy and Sam Torrence Named Co-chairs of Clara Barton Society
News Release: October 13, 2005
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley announced today (10/13) that Betsy and Sam Torrence have been appointed new co-chairs of the chapter’s Clara Barton Society. The Torrences succeed Robert and Mary Gedney, the society's founding leaders since 2003.
The Clara Barton Society recognizes individuals who make an annual financial gift of $1,000 or more to the local Red Cross. Currently more than 100 Lehigh Valley individuals and couples are society members.
“We are extremely grateful to the Gedneys for their leadership in founding the society in 2003,” said John R. Hughes, executive director. “Through Bob and Mary’s leadership, the membership of the society rose from 35 individuals and couples to 114. We are privileged that Betsy and Sam will be continuing the efforts established by the Gedneys to foster leadership giving to the local Red Cross.”
The Torrences are long-time supporters of the local Red Cross. Betsy joined the Red Cross board of directors in 2004 and Sam served on the board from 1996-1999. In addition, the couple served as honorary co-chairs of the chapter’s largest annual fund-raising event in 2000.
“Although we have not experienced the types of horrific disasters that have impacted other communities, the needs of our valley are still tremendous,” Betsy commented. “The Red Cross has always been a consistent force in delivering aid to those affected by disaster, as well as providing many other worthwhile services. Sam and I are honored to lead the Clara Barton Society. We look forward to working with the Red Cross volunteers and staff to help raise the level of awareness and philanthropic giving in the valley.”
Betsy Torrence is founding chairwoman of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Women’s Leadership Initiative (2002-2005) and has been a volunteer for the Allentown Meals on Wheels since 1997. She served as a board member and on the executive committee for the Lehigh County Senior Citizens Center (1998-2004) and was a member of the special events committee for Turning Point (1999-2000). The couple served as co-chairs of the local United Way Alexis de Tocqueville Society in 2002, and the 2001 United Way campaign.
Sam Torrence is president and chief operating officer for Just Born, Inc. He serves as board member for the Points of Light Foundation (2004 to present) and is a former board of trustee for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce (2004-2005).
The couple live in Center Valley.
For more information about the Clara Barton Society, please call Paula Sue Ream, director of development and community affairs, at (610) 865-4400, ext. 259.
The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 660,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 20,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.
