Red Cross Volunteers Help Feed,
Quench Thirst at U.S. Women's Open
News Release: July 6, 2009
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing; American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley (610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771

If you're wondering who is going to help feed and quench the thirst of the nearly 100,000 people expected at this week's U.S. Women's Open at Saucon Valley Country Club, just look to the men and women wearing the American Red Cross emblem on their white shirts.

A total of 650 Greater Lehigh Valley Red Cross volunteers will be out in force July 6 - 12, staffing more than 1,400 shifts in concession operations, drink stands and ice cream carts.

"This is a huge undertaking which requires tremendous coordination and a large number of volunteers - something our agency is well-versed in handling as part of our mission," Executive Director John Hughes stated in an earlier press release. "Volunteers will be able to see the world's best female golfers up close and personal while supporting their local Red Cross."

Red Cross volunteers - ages 14 to 85 - are working with Patina Restaurant Group of New York and Dansig & Associates of North Carolina to serve a complement of food, beverages and snacks to attendees. Volunteers are also serving as cashiers and runners, stocking inventory and conducting a host of other duties throughout the week. The Red Cross began recruiting volunteers last January and successfully met its recruitment goal. Volunteers primarily live in Pennsylvania; however, others came from New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Virginia.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves nearly 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 24,000 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.