Red Cross Seeks 'Heroes' for Third Annual Campaign; No Cape or Super Powers Required
News Release: January 6, 2010
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771


From March 1 to 31, the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley will conduct its third annual Heroes for the American Red Cross campaign.

Heroes pledge to raise $1,000 each for the Red Cross during the grassroots fund-raising and awareness campaign. If you're up for this challenge, you can raise the money personally, as an organization, or by hosting a fund-raising event.

"People of all ages can serve as Heroes. Heroes help to spread the word about the services the Greater Lehigh Valley Red Cross provides, and they also raise the money that supports local needs for disaster relief, preparedness and training and other critical services. It's a chance to make a big, lasting difference in our community," said George Hlavac, Heroes Campaign chairman for Lehigh and Northampton counties, and Red Cross board member. Hlavac is an attorney and chair of the Labor and Employment Group at Tallman, Hudders and Sorrentino in Allentown.

Captains for this year's campaign in Lehigh and Northampton counties are: Steve Hoffman, Jeffrey Stewart, Edward Easterly, Linda Beidler and Linda Partenope, all employees of Tallman, Hudders & Sorrentino. Carbon County Commissioner Wayne Nothstein serves as Carbon County's Heroes Campaign captain.

Fund-raising ideas may include high school service clubs holding a dance-a-thon, faith-based groups holding a yard sale or bake sale, or companies holding "dress-down days." Those with the most fund raising success are those who can involve many people to support their efforts.

All proceeds from the Heroes Campaign stay here in our community to help the Greater Lehigh Valley Red Cross.

" 'Heroes' is an easy and fun way for our community to take part in helping to raise funds for the Red Cross," said John R. Hughes, executive director of the Red Cross. "A combined total of nearly $54,000 was raised from the two previous campaigns, thanks to an energetic and enthusiastic team of heroes."

All "Heroes" who register by Feb. 12 will have their photo, name or logo included in ads sponsored by The Morning Call and The Express-Times. All "Heroes" are invited to a kick-off breakfast and celebration wrap-up luncheon.

If you would like to become a Hero, contact Sandy Gaspar, director of development, at 610-865-4400, ext. 258, or GasparS@usa.redcross.org. We'll send you information about how to get started. You can also get information at www.redcrosslv.org.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross helped more than 70,000 people through preparedness and training, military personnel support, senior lifesaving programs and services, emergency relief and information and referral. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. 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.