Local Red Cross Fund-Raising Campaign Critical to Meet $100 Million National Goal
News Release: September 17, 2008
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 has been charged with raising $318,000 by year’s end as part of a $100 million national fund-raising campaign announced last week by American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern. The campaign was launched to help replenish the depleted national Disaster Relief Fund.

“People expect the Red Cross to be there during disasters and we will be. But we must have the financial resources needed to respond,” said John R. Hughes, executive director of the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “The Disaster Relief Fund allows the Red Cross to provide emergency assistance to help victims of disasters meet their immediate needs for food, shelter, counseling and other critical services. The fund gives people the chance to help anywhere in the nation whenever and wherever disaster strikes.”

The Disaster Relief Fund is empty and, in the interim, the Red Cross is borrowing money to cover the relief costs. “We know this does not make good business sense and we cannot keep doing it long term,” said Hughes. “It’s essential that we raise enough money.”

Recently the chapter sent letters to more than 4,000 members of its donor base. Phone calls to major donors and discussions with local businesses and corporations will get under way this week. In addition, the chapter’s high school Red Cross Clubs and youth volunteers are meeting to develop fund-raising activities.

The Greater Lehigh Valley Red Cross chapter is not alone in its efforts to raise funds. Collectively, Pennsylvania’s 46 Red Cross chapters are responsible for raising $5.6 million. Chapters are working together to identify statewide businesses such as convenience stores and grocery stores that could help with fund raising.
Red Cross estimates spending as much as $70 million helping those affected by Hurricane Gustav and the cost of the Hurricane Ike relief effort could easily climb higher than that.

From Illinois to Texas, thousands of Red Cross disaster workers are on the ground, providing safe shelter, food, water and comfort to those affected by Hurricane Ike and its remnants. In Texas and Louisiana, nearly 20,000 people sought refuge in 164 shelters. More than one million meals and snacks have been served.

“As we continue to help people affected by Hurricane Gustav, we are also knee-deep in a large-scale operation [Ike] that may carry through the holidays and into the next year,” stated Hughes. “We’re calling on everyone to support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. No matter how small, every donation can make a big difference.”

How To Make a Contribution:

Phone: Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish)

Internet: Visit www.redcross.org or www.redcrosslv.org to make a secure online donation.

Check: Make checks payable to the American Red Cross and indicate “Disaster Relief Fund” on the memo line. Mail to: American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013 or American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem, PA 18017.

Cell Phone: You can also use your cell phone to donate $5 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by text messaging the keyword “GIVE” to “2HELP” (24357). You can send multiple donations depending on your carrier. Contributions will appear on monthly bills or be debited from a prepaid account balance. All applicable text rates apply.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 690,000 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.