'Heroes' Raise Nearly $40,000
for the American Red Cross
News Release: April 22, 2011
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771


A group of local "heroes" has raised nearly $40,000 to help the Red Cross continue its services in the greater Lehigh Valley.

Red Cross Regional Executive John R. Hughes recently announced the results of this year's Heroes for the American Red Cross Campaign at a celebratory luncheon attended by more than 50 heroes and hosted by Shula's Steak House in Center Valley.

"The success of this year's campaign is a testament to the hard work of Campaign Chair Martin Till, our captains, heroes and the generosity of our community. The money raised will go a long way to helping families in the greater Lehigh Valley prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies," said Hughes. "Everyone involved can truly take pride in knowing they have made a difference in the lives of their neighbors."

Heroes pledge to raise $1,000 each to the Red Cross during the annual grassroots fundraising and awareness campaign in March. "This year's campaign attracted 55 heroes, the highest number of heroes we've ever had," said Sandra A. Gaspar, director of development. "The campaign brought forth a tremendous surge of creativity and visibility in our community."

Heroes raising the most money included: Team Capital Bank at $5,192; Muhlenberg College at $2,800; and Concannon, Miller & Co. at $2,750.

Fundraising activities included: percentage of merchandise, services and food sales; "dress down days;" penny wars; raffles; candy sales; online pledges; and a radiothon.

Serving as this year's campaign captains were: Anne Baum, Lehigh Valley Capital BlueCross; Jamie Connell, Connell Funeral Home; Pam Deller, Lehigh Valley Style; Jim Deutsch, Team Capital Bank; Amy Hawley, Hawley Realty; Lori Lewis, Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp.; Winnie Melinsky, Highmark Blue Shield; Robert A. Oster, CPA, Concannon, Miller & Co.; and Andrea Weismiller, JHG Hotel Management.

For more information about the Heroes campaign and how to become a 2012 Hero, visit www.redcrosslv.org, or call Sandy Gaspar at 610-865-4400, ext. 258.

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 76,500 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.