Hubbell Power Systems Becomes a Red Cross Super Hero

The American Red Cross Aiken Area Chapter would like to thank Hubbell Power Systems for donating $5,000 and becoming a Super Hero for the American Red Cross. With this generous donation, Hubbell Power Systems will be recognized as one of the Presenting Sponsors for the 7th Annual Heroes Jr. Golf Outing that will take place this Memorial Day on Monday, May 27th.

The annual Jr. Golf Outing, open to middle and high school-aged players, is coordinated every year by the local Red Cross Board Chairman, Don Cheeks. During the Outing, kids enjoy a round of golf, lunch, dinner, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream and an award ceremony with prizes. The Outing will take place at Houndslake Country Club in Aiken. Everything for the event is graciously donated by local businesses in the Aiken area, so 100 percent of Hubbell Power Systems’ donation and other sponsorships will go directly to support local Red Cross programs and services.

The American Red Cross relies on financial donations to support important programs in our community like disaster relief. After a disaster, the Red Cross meets the immediate needs that families have for temporary shelter, food, clothing and mental health services. Since the beginning of its fiscal year, the Aiken Area Chapter alone has responded to the needs of 70 families, helping 264 adults and children. On average, it costs $1,250 to assist a family of four following a disaster.

The mission of the Red Cross is made possible through the generosity of our volunteers and financial supporters like Hubbell Power Systems. Individuals and businesses who would like to learn more about making a financial contribution or registering youth for the Heroes Jr. Golf Outing, should contact the Aiken Area Chapter at (803) 641-4152 or at 1314 Pine Log Road, Aiken, SC 29803.

Red Cross Can Help You Be Prepared For Next Emergency

Recent events in Boston and Texas emphasize the importance of knowing what to do when an emergency occurs. Even as first responders rushed into help at both scenes, much of the initial care to the injured was provided by friends, neighbors and bystanders who were trained in CPR and first aid. Whether the emergency is community-wide and involves numerous injuries, or involves a single individual being hurt at home, it is vital that someone close by knows what to do when such an emergency occurs.

Getting yourself and your family more prepared for disasters can bring peace of mind during trying times and can help save someone’s life during future emergencies. Taking an action like downloading our first aid app, taking a first aid class or building a disaster supply kit can help people feel empowered to act when disaster strikes.

The American Red Cross has numerous ways people can get the information and training they need to be able to help when an emergency occurs.  The Red Cross urges everyone to be better prepared by taking advantage of training and mobile apps available to teach them what to do when someone needs assistance.

FIRST AID/CPR CLASSES The Red Cross has classes available that emphasize hands-on-learning of First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The courses teach someone the skills they need to help save a life. Participants learn how to respond to common first aid emergencies, how to respond to cardiac and breathing emergencies in adults and how to use AEDs. There are also options available to learn how to help infants and children. People can register for these classes at redcross.org/takeaclass or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

ONLINE TRAINING Family and household members can learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies by taking the new Red Cross Family First Aid and CPR online course. The cost is $30. Family First Aid and CPR teaches you how to:

• Identify signals of medical emergencies.
• Give appropriate care for common first aid emergencies.
• Know when to call 9-1-1 and what to do until help arrives for critical cardiac and first aid emergencies.

This course is for people who do not require OSHA-compliant certification. It takes about 2 hours to go through the Adult CPR and First Aid content. Pediatric modules are also available.

DOWNLOAD FIRST AID APP People can also download the free Red Cross First Aid App for iPhone and Android mobile devices which puts simple lifesaving information at someone’s fingertips. Features include step-by-step instructions to guide someone through everyday first aid scenarios, full integration with 9-1-1 to call emergency services from the app and preloaded content to have instant access to information even without device reception or internet connectivity. The app is available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store by searching for American Red Cross.

 

 

Windsor Green Fire Response: One Month Report

Pizza Hut Partners with the Red Cross during April

Red Cross month may be over, but April marks the exciting launch of our Heroes Campaign for 2013. “Heroes for the American Red Cross” is a grassroots fundraising and awareness campaign that gives YOU the chance to make a real impact on the community. Heroes pledge to raise a minimum of $1,250 for the Red Cross during the campaign period. Participating Heroes can raise the money personally, as an organization or by hosting a fundraising event.

To help us celebrate this campaign, Pizza Hut will be offering a special meal deal through the entire month of April. A percentage of sales from this deal will go directly to the Red Cross to support disaster relief, health services and education, services to the armed forces and more! If you’d like to contribute to the cause but don’t want the special deal, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a “Heroes” point-of-sale poster for a minimum $1 donation. This poster will be displayed all month to commemorate your generosity.

Be sure to come out to Pizza Hut this month to support your local Red Cross. You can also click here to order online.  If you or your organization is interested in joining the Heroes campaign, please contact Paula Thayer at Paula.Thayer@redcross.org or (803) 540-1219.

Rachel Hodges takes on National Red Cross Leadership Role

Local American Red Cross Board Chairwoman and former First Lady of South Carolina (1999-2003), Rachel Hodges, has been named a member of the National Council for the Tiffany Circle Society of Women Leaders.

The Tiffany Circle is a society of women leaders and philanthropists from across the country that commit a minimum of $10,000 a year to support the important work of the Red Cross. As a National Council Member, Hodges will help ensure the future success of the Tiffany Circle program as the group embarks upon their eighth year in 2013-14. Since its inception just seven short years ago, the Tiffany Circle has grown from eight to 60 regional chapters throughout the country and is also expanding internationally into countries such as Canada, Mexico, France, Great Britain and Australia.

“The Tiffany Circle reflects a growing movement across the United States that women are leading the way when it comes to philanthropy,” said Rachel Hodges. “Women are the economic powerhouse of the 21st century and will be the primary holders of the wealth in America in just a few years. I am proud to serve on the National Council of the Tiffany Circle and continue mobilizing the power of women in philanthropy.”

Rachel Hodges welcomes Red Cross volunteers and staff at the Rachel Hodges Leadership Institute that was held in May 2012 at Francis Marion University.

Rachel Hodges is a Pee Dee native and currently serves as the Chairwoman for the American Red Cross, Central South Carolina Chapter and the Chairwoman of the American Red Cross, Palmetto SC Region’s Advisory Council. In 2012, Hodges was instrumental in bringing the Rachel Hodges Leadership Institute to the campus of Francis Marion University. The six-day institute gave over 300 Red Cross staff and volunteers the opportunity to develop the necessary leadership skills to respond to small and large scale disasters throughout South Carolina and along the East Coast.

Hodges is a founding Bonnie McElveen-Hunter Lifetime Member of the Tiffany Circle Society of Women Leaders. Additionally, she and her husband, former Governor James H. Hodges, are members of the Clara Barton Society. In 2010, Hodges was presented the Clara Barton Society Award in recognition of her outstanding commitment to the Red Cross as a volunteer and philanthropist.

For more information on becoming a Tiffany Circle member, please call (803) 540-1220 or email Adrienne.Bellinger@redcross.org.

Come out FORE the Red Cross on April 29th!

Join us for the Second Annual SERVPRO and American Red Cross “Partners in Disaster Relief Golf Classic” on Monday, April 29th. The tournament will be held at Golden Hills Golf and Country Club in Lexington with an 11:00 a.m. shotgun start. Breakfast will be provided to all players prior to the shotgun start. 

Last year, the Cacye/West Columbia/Lexington, Dutch Fork and Richland County franchises of SERVPRO helped raise $7,000 for Red Cross programs and services through the golf classic. We’re proud to partner with SERVPRO again this year to support disaster relief in the Midlands.

The tournament has a $60 entry fee for individuals and a $240 entry fee for teams. All participants will be served a boxed lunch before tee-off. Teams can also purchase basic sponsorship and mulligan packages for the event. Spots are filling up fast, so be sure to register before the April 22nd deadline!

If you’re looking for a different way to get involved, a few sponsorship options are still available at this time. April 15th is the last day sponsorship submission will be accepted.

To register for the tournament or learn more about becoming a sponsor, please contact Tia Williams at 803-755-9774 or Tia@servproeasternsc.com.

7th Annual Auction Gives Hope to Disaster Victims

The Saluda County Advisory Council hosted its 7th annual Silent/Live Auction on Friday, March 1st at Juniper Restaurant to benefit the American Red Cross of Central South Carolina in Saluda County.

A total of $12,655 was raised at the auction, over $1,000 more than last year.  100% of the proceeds will go to local Red Cross disaster relief programs.

Paula Thayer, major gifts manager at the American Red Cross, was enthused to see record breaking fundraising and attendance at the auction. “Each year I am more amazed at the creativity, dedication and response from the people in Saluda County,” said Thayer.

When disaster strikes, Red Cross is there to provide immediate needs like clothing, shelter, food and life-sustaining medications as well as emotional support during these difficult times. Proceeds from the auction allow the Red Cross to provide these services free of charge to the victims.

Attendees enjoyed a variety of hors d’oeuvres and beverages while participating in the two auctions. The live auction offered jewelry, travel packages and original artwork while the silent auction boasted decorative items, tools and antiques donated by local merchants.

“Chef Brandon Velie and his wife, Jeanne, owners of Juniper Restaurant in Ridge Spring, do an outstanding job with the food and beverages,” said Thayer.

The Red Cross would like to thank all participants and donors who helped make the event a huge success.  Through the leadership of Monnie Romines (Chairperson), Jerrold Watson, Danny Tidwell, Judy Adamick, Melissa Rodgers and Phillips Boatwright of the Saluda County Advisory Council, this event gets better every year!