2006 Clara Barton Society Campaign Begins
News Release: February 19, 2006
Contact: Janice Osborne, director-Communications and Marketing; (610) 865-4400, ext. 262

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley announced today (2/19) that the Clara Barton Society 2006 Campaign, under the leadership of co-chairs Betsy and Sam Torrence and 14 cabinet members, is officially under way.

“Betsy and Sam are truly taking their leadership role to heart and have been working for several months to develop a strategy and to put together a campaign cabinet to increase the number of society members,” said John R. Hughes, executive director of the local Red Cross. “They have formed a superb team of local business and community leaders to meet the goal of 225 society members this year. Our chapter is extremely grateful to the Torrences and the 2006 campaign cabinet for their time and dedication to raise the level of awareness and philanthropic giving to this chapter.”

The Clara Barton Society recognizes individuals who make an annual financial gift of $1,000 or more to the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Currently more than 100 Lehigh Valley individuals and couples are society members. Monies are used solely for Red Cross programs and services in the Lehigh Valley.

“Nowhere is the work of the Red Cross more compelling than right here in the Lehigh Valley. In our community, the American Red Cross is the human response to the needs of our friends, families and neighbors during emergencies,” said Betsy Torrence, campaign co-chair and Red Cross board member. “Every three days, the Red Cross responds to a disaster in our community. The majority of these are residential fires.

“Day or night, Red Cross volunteers respond with comfort and the essentials to help people during these times of great need. From Jan. 1 to Feb. 15, 2006, the local Red Cross assisted a total of 102 adults and children affected by a disaster,” Torrence added. “People are grateful for Red Cross services. Many people send letters and cards of thanks expressing their appreciation for the assistance they have received. The Red Cross is able to be there for those in need through the continued financial support by the general public.”

Last year, $182,900 was spent to provide local disaster assistance to more than 700 people. Assistance included lodging, food, clothing, shoes, infant formula and supplies, medication replacement and eyeglass replacement.

The 2006 campaign will run during February and March, with any additional follow-up in April. Cabinet campaign members are: Jennifer Bergstresser, Lehigh Valley Magazine; John Biggar, PPL; Shirley Biggar, community volunteer; Jo and Dave Davis, ReMax of the Valley; Bruce Hargus, Air Products & Chemicals; Kevin Justice, Imirage; Kathy Leber, Leber Financial Group, Inc.; Joe Lennert, Caruso Benefits Group; Dr. Tiana Shekari-Lennert, St. Luke’s Family Practice; Brent and Debbie Peters, East Penn Bank; Judy Savchak, Millennium Wealth Management; and Dr. Arthur Scott, Northampton Community College.

A special reception for 2006 Clara Barton Society members and the campaign cabinet will be held in early June.

For more information about the Clara Barton Society or the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, please call the Red Cross at (610) 865-4400.

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.