Monday, March 31, 2008

Flirting for Disaster

Greater Chicago Red Cross Invites You toFlirting for Disaster: Coqueteo Latino!
Unwind at the River North hot-spot Rumba for some fun and philanthropy
Join us for a night of coqueteo con propĆ³sito (flirting with a purpose) at the Second Annual American Red Cross of Greater Chicago’s Latino Flirting for Disaster event!
On April 16th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Rumba, 305 W. Hubbard St. in Chicago, young professionals from all walks of life can enjoy a fantastic night of fun and flirting complete with live music, dancing, a raffle, complimentary hors d' oeuvres, and special guests.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The ticket price includes open bar from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. featuring select Don Julio beverages as well as $5 sangria and $5 pomegranate martini drink specials from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Proceeds from the event benefit the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago and its lifesaving programs and services. To purchase tickets in advance, go to http://www.flirtingfordisaster.com/ or call 312-729-6195.
This event is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of HispanicPro.com, Hoy, Don Julio Tequila and The Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Illinois.
“Flirting for Disaster” was launched in 2002 by the Auxiliary Board of the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago to introduce its mission to a new generation. “Flirting for Disaster” events educate younger members of the community about the organization in a fun, social environment, and encourage attendees to join the Greater Chicago Red Cross in helping area residents prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is a volunteer-led humanitarian service organization dedicated to helping make families and communities safer here and around the globe. Locally, the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago serves more than 8.3 million people in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties through the support and generous contributions of individuals, corporations, the United Way and other philanthropic foundations. For more information, call 312-729-6100 or visit www.chicagoredcross.org.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

American Red Cross Prepared to Connect Families During Shamrock Shuffle

The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago will activate its Patient Connection Program this Sunday in preparation for this year’s Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8k run. Working with area hospitals, the goal of the program is to reunite people injured in crises and allow medical facilities to focus their energy on patient care in times of disaster. Those looking to contact family members who may have required medical assistance during the run are encouraged to call the Patient Connection Hotline during and after the event at (312) 729-6200.

The program proved particularly successful during last year’s Chicago Marathon when over three dozen hospitalized participants were reconnected with their families and loved ones with help from the Red Cross and its Patient Connection Program. The Red Cross will have several volunteers on hand and will be ready to respond should the need arise during this Sunday’s event.

*MEDIA ONLY: Becky Streifler, Director of Health Services for American Red Cross of Greater Chicago is in charge of the program and available for day-of interviews. Please contact Oana Odean at 312.729.6208 to set up an interview.

When ten or more patients are received at area hospitals due to a disaster or crisis, the Greater Chicago Red Cross Patient Connection Program is activated and vital patient information is shared with the Red Cross. The Red Cross then begins working to reunite affected families and to provide mental health support to those affected. In fact the Red Cross is the only national community organization written into HIPAA legislation. Nearly 100 hospitals in the Chicagoland area are participating members of this system.

This service is funded in part by the Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute. ”It’s an honor to help the Red Cross ease the burden of families looking for loved ones in times of disaster,” says James Alexander, Executive Director Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago serves more than 8.3 million people in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties through the support and generous contributions of individuals, corporations, foundations, and the United Way. Visit the chapter web site www.chicagoredcross.org for more information.

###

Monday, March 24, 2008

President Bush Declares March Red Cross Month

CHICAGO, March 3, 2008— In a tradition dating back to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, President George W. Bush declared March as Red Cross Month, calling it a time to "honor this charitable organization" and "reflect on its remarkable achievements and contributions to our country."
In the proclamation he cited examples of how the American Red Cross had provided food, comfort and medical assistance to the victims of a number of disasters in 2007, from the tragic bridge collapse in Minnesota to the devastating wildfires in California. He also noted how the Red Cross provides vital assistance by organizing blood drives, teaching health and safety programs, and supporting our men and women in uniform.
In celebration of Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago will be offering $5.00 CPR Training in both English and Spanish at UIC on March 22 through their CPR Training Days program. To register call 1.800.337.2338 or visit www.chicagoredcross.org. Additionally Culver's® restaurants in Chicagoland will donate 10 percent of their respective sales on Wednesday, March 5 to their local participating American Red Cross® chapter during the annual system-wide “Day of Giving” fundraising event in observance of the month. The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago will use 100 percent of the funds donated in Chicagoland to the local community.
The Red Cross is also launching a new national advertising campaign with the message that when you support the American Red Cross, you change a life, starting with your own. The Red Cross urges all Americans to get prepared for the unexpected this March. There are three simple actions to get "Red Cross Ready" for disasters and other emergencies: 1) Get a kit, 2) Make a plan and 3) Be informed.
"I thank President Bush for his support of the American Red Cross and for today's proclamation of March as Red Cross Month," said Mary S. Elcano, Acting President and CEO of the American Red Cross. "We hope all Americans will consider supporting the Red Cross so that we can be there whether it is a hurricane or a heart attack, a call for blood or a call for help."
The public can go to www.chicagoredcross.org to find out how they can support the Red Cross in Chicagoland. The American Red Cross relies on donations of time, money and blood to continue their lifesaving work.