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.