now THAT's Red Cross Pride!

Barry Cowen, who has been a Red Cross Disaster Volunteer since August 2004, has two Red Cross Tattoos! He got his first Red Cross one after his deployment to Hurricane Wilma, in 2005.

Helping Military Families, Memorial Day and Every Day

It's Memorial Day weekend, and while most of us are getting ready to barbecue with family and friends, many Americans are serving overseas in the Armed Forces. Though Memorial Day is traditionally a day to honor fallen soldiers, it's also a time to think about those men and women who are making sacrifices for us today.

Did you know that the Red Cross helps keep military families connected? Check out our Service to the Armed Forces page. When people have urgent message about births, illnesses or deaths, it's sometimes hard to get them back and forth between soldiers and their loved ones. The Red Cross makes those connections. Watch the video to see how we're helping in Iraq, too.

Flirt for a Cause on May 29th

Spring is in the air! So shake off that cabin fever with The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago and the Junior League of Chicago at Flirting for Disaster on May 29th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m at Dragonfly Mandarin, 832 W. Randolph St. in Chicago.

Cut loose with complimentary Smirnoff cocktails from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m and $5 drink specials from 8 p.m.-9p.m. The fun-filled evening features music, a raffle, complimentary hors d' oeuvres, free treatments courtesy of Thrive Integrative Medical Spa as well as a wine tasting compliments of Gentile Wines showcasing samplings from Graham Beck & Bon Vivant vineyards.

This networking event is geared toward young professionals interested in raising funds and supporting the efforts of the Greater Chicago Red Cross in Chicagoland. To find out more and order tickets visit flirtingfordisaster.com

127th Anniversary

Today we celebrate the 127^th anniversary of the founding of the American Red Cross by Clara Barton in Washington D.C. After serving as a nurse in the Civil War, Clara served with the International Red Cross during the Franco Prussian War in 1870. Inspired by that organization’s efforts, she returned home intent on starting a similar organization in the United States.

After many years of planning the American Red Cross was born on May 21^st 1881. Clara served as the organization's first president and was on hand to assist the relief efforts at many disaster sites including the devastating hurricane that leveled Galveston Texas in 1900. From its modest beginnings, the American Red Cross has gown into a nationwide network of over 700 chapters serving thousands each year. In that time the mission of the Red Cross has always remained the same, to provide relief and recovery to those who need it and to help communities prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters.

Federal Judge Sides With Red Cross

Late Wednesday Federal Judge Jed Rakoff ruled against the Johnson & Johnson company in its suit to stop the American Red Cross from using its emblem and authorizing others to use its emblem in the sale of products related to its mission.
Judge Rakoff squarely held that the Red Cross’s activities “do not violate the criminal prohibition contained in 18 U.S.C. 706. They also do not violate the Red Cross’s congressional charter or the Geneva Convention.”
J&J had claimed the Red Cross was commercializing the emblem but the judge wholly rejected this idea, stating "The fact that the ultimate purpose of these licensing activities is a ‘charitable purpose’ — i.e. to raise funds that A.R.C., a not-for-profit organization, can utilize for its charitable endeavors — only further emphasizes their legitimacy." The money the Red Cross receives from the sale of these products is reinvested in its humanitarian programs and services. To find out more about the case click here

$10 Million to go Towards Earthquake Relief

The American Red Cross has pledged $10 million to aid the survivors of the devastating 7.9 earthquake that struck China's Sichuan province on May 12th. These funds will go toward the preliminary appeal by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which has called for a total of $19.3 million from chapters around the globe. The appeal will support the relief operations through the purchase and distribution of supplies, coordination of relief efforts, and deployment of staff to the affected area.

The American Red Cross will continue to weigh other support options, which may include providing additional financial support, relief supplies or expertise. Given the vast scale of the disaster, an effective action plan and support strategy will take time to fully develop.

You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.

Today is World Red Cross Red Crescent Day

Today is World Red Cross Red Crescent Day, and we celebrate the work of the 97 million staff, volunteers and members who assist more than 277 million people worldwide. There are 186 Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the globe, serving in humanitarian roles during natural disasters, helping people prevent health emergencies and connecting people separated by wars and conflicts. This is Henry. He kind of started this whole thing.


This little girl in Switzerland is celebrating Henry Dunant’s 180th birthday—and she joins millions of people around the world who celebrate his dedication to human rights. Dunant founded of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in 1859. Motivated by his experiences during the Battle of Solferino, Henry Dunant advocated for the humane treatment of the sick and wounded during wartime.



The Greater Chicago Red Cross works to support international programs that prevent malaria, inoculate kids against measles and send messages to people torn apart by war. Learn more about how you can help locally.

Myanmar Cyclone

From Red Cross Chat...
As I’m sure most of you have heard, a cyclone made Myanmar landfall on May 2 and has caused catastrophic damage, including a reported 22,000 deaths.
We are staying in close contact with the Myanmar Red Cross and the International Federation, preparing to provide supplies and additional assistance if it’s needed.
Additional updates when will appear here as we receive them.
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