Heroes Campaign Tops $21,000
News Release: November 20, 2007
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing; American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley (610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 508-4378

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley announced today that its first annual Heroes for the American Red Cross campaign raised more than $21,000.

“For 90 years, the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley has been a hero for thousands of people in our community by lending aid during times of disaster, seeing to the welfare of military families and providing citizens with lifesaving CPR and first aid skills. Now, 19 of our neighbors have shown that they can be Heroes for the American Red Cross,” said Executive Director John R. Hughes at a celebratory luncheon hosted by Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Easton.

“Thanks to an energetic and creative group of people, more than $21,000 was raised to keep the vital services of the Red Cross going strong in Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. This year’s heroes have set the bar for the 2008 heroes.”

Heroes for the American Red Cross is a grassroots campaign in which school groups, faith-based groups, civic clubs, local business people, and individuals pledge to raise $1,000, through any legal means they choose, for the local Red Cross chapter.

“We couldn’t have had a successful campaign without the strong leadership and commitment of each of you,” Chapter Chairman George Hlavac told luncheon guests. “When all is said and done, my guess is that the money raised will be more like $25,000. This has been a great event.”

Cor Catena, president and chief executive officer at Easton Hospital, and Jim Harper, adjunct faculty member at Lehigh University, co-chaired the campaign which ran Oct. 29- Nov. 16.

“The success of this year’s Heroes Campaign is a testament to the hard work of our recruiters, heroes and the generosity of our community. I am proud to have been involved,” Catena said.

“There is still money out there,” added Harper. “The student-run campaigns at Lehigh University are still going on and we expect to raise $1,500.”

Erin Kier, administrative assistant-human resources at Muhlenberg College, spearheaded the college’s efforts, doubling its contributions to $2,000. “We sold 300 hero sandwiches, placed a collection jar in the college bookstore and sold ‘Real Heroes Wear Jeans’ cards to employees, allowing them to wear jeans on specific days. Everyone was excited about the campaign,” Kier commented.

A wine tasting hosted by Lori Lewis and compliments of Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp. in conjunction with a dinner for 50 invited guests at the home of Red Cross employee Sandy Gaspar raised $735.

Professionals at the law firm of Tallman, Hudders & Sorrentino jumped at the chance to pay $5 to “dress down” on a Friday. Employee collections totaled $600. The firm donated an additional $400 to reach their goal.

Heroes Campaign recruiters included: Laura Azzalina, Sovereign Bank; John Conklin, Northampton County; Deb Kipp, Muhlenberg College; Martin K. Till, The Express-Times; and Marc Troutman, FirstEnergy.

Heroes included: Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corporation; Brown Daub; Capital BlueCross; CMX; Carrabba's Italian Grill (Easton); Commerce Bank; DHL; Delta Gamma, Lehigh University; FirstEnergy; Hilton Garden Inn & Staybridge Suites – Allentown Airport; Muhlenberg College; Northampton County Council; Pi Beta Phi, Lehigh University; Sam's Club (Route 248); sanofi aventis; Sovereign Bank; Tallman, Hudders & Sorrentino; The Express-Times; and The Morning Call.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 680,000 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 23,000 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.