Flags, Community Event, Cabaret & Cuisine Highlight Observance of Red Cross Month
News Release: February 22, 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

• Red Cross Flags to Fly High at Government Offices

• ‘Be Red Cross Ready’ Community Event Scheduled at Lehigh Valley Mall March 10

• Cabaret & Cuisine 2007 to Be Held March 31

Did you know that March is Red Cross Month?

The tradition dates back to 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the honorary chairman of the Red Cross, declared the whole month of March “Red Cross Month” to promote Red Cross services to the American public and for fund raising. Every year since, each American president has issued a similar proclamation, stating the contributions of the American Red Cross to the United States.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, which serves Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties, will make its presence known in a number of ways in March.

“From Northampton County’s Government Center in Easton to the mayor’s office in Palmerton, Red Cross flags will be flying at government buildings across the three counties,” said John Hughes, executive director of the Greater Lehigh Valley Red Cross in Bethlehem. “We are particularly delighted that the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall has elected to showcase our organization throughout the month, and to host a ‘Be Red Cross Ready’ community event.”

At the mall, Red Cross banners, photos and lifesaving products will be displayed during the month.

On Saturday, March 10, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the mall’s main court, lower level, visitors can participate in a number of activities related to emergency preparedness. “We encourage residents to ‘Be Red Cross Ready,’ as natural or human-caused disasters can strike suddenly, at anytime and anywhere,” Hughes said.

Red Cross representatives will be available to speak about the importance of preparedness and provide valuable take-home information. In addition, there will be CPR and AED demonstrations, blood pressure screenings by Red Cross nurse volunteers and nursing students from Moravian and Cedar Crest colleges, information on volunteer opportunities and the full range of programs and services provided by the local Red Cross.

Children can dress in Red Cross apparel and have a souvenir photo taken (compliments of Dan’s Camera City, Allentown); get a Red Cross rub-on tattoo; participate in coloring activities; and pick up age-appropriate safety information.

“When people hear the words ‘Red Cross,’ disaster relief most frequently comes to mind,” Hughes said. “This has been a particularly challenging year. Red Cross disaster response has increased 34 percent in the first eight months of this fiscal year compared to the same time period last year.

“We teach thousands of people the lifesaving skills of CPR and first aid. We provide emergency messages between families and armed forces personnel who are serving around the world.”

In addition, the local Red Cross offers Lifeline, a 24-hour personal medical alert system which enables seniors and the physically challenged to live independently and safely at home.

Through its Valley Wide Help program, people and social services agencies are brought together. And, in Carbon County, the chapter collects blood to help save lives.

“What is truly inspiring is that nearly all of this work is done by volunteers,” added Hughes. “Red Cross is all about neighbors helping neighbors. We hope our more visible presence in the community this month sparks an interest in others to volunteer, take a lifesaving class, donate blood or make a donation to help our local chapter.”

To conclude the month, the chapter’s largest fund-raising event – Cabaret & Cuisine 2007 – will be held Saturday, March 31, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., at The Eastonian, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 90 Kunkle Drive in Easton. The business-casual event will feature a café dining experience; complimentary beer, wine and soda; cash bar; dancing and entertainment by Lucky 7; and a silent auction. Cost is $100 per person. Sponsorships are available.

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 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.