Tuesday, April 29, 2008

The Chicago Red Cross Presents "Flirting For Disaster - Red Orchid"

The month of May means spring is in the air, the perfect time for some flirtatious fun. May is also Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, so come celebrate with the Red Cross and the NAAAP on Wednesday May 14th, 2008 from 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m. at "Flirting For Disaster - Red Orchid". Join some of Chicago’s most philanthropic professionals at the ultra delicious, hip gastro pub English, 444 N. LaSalle in River North .

The event starts with an open bar 6pm-7pm followed by complimentary Smirnoff Vodka, and featured PAMA and Hpnotiq drinks from 7pm-9pm.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. For more info and advance registration, call 312-729-6130 or visit www.flirtingfordisaster.com

Friday, April 25, 2008

Red Line Crash-Looking for someone?

April 25
Today there was an incident where a vehicle crashed into the stairwell at a CTA station; news outlets are reporting that several people were injured. Call us at 312-729-6200 if you think your loved one may have been involved in the crash and hospitalized--we'll do our best to help you find them. This is a special number that we activate only for situations where a lot of people are hospitalized.

Story from Fox News Chicago
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=6397717&version=13&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.1.1

More info on this program. http://www.chicagoredcross.org/detalle_prensa.asp?id=1443&SN=518&OP=1995&SUOP=1996&IDCapitulo=VF223FBDFD

Thursday, April 24, 2008

It's not too late!




You can still run the Chicago Marathon and

help the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago

Are you bummed because you wanted to run the Chicago Marathon but missed the cut off date to register? Well worry no more, because you still have the chance to run, and help a great cause at the same time! The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago is still accepting runners to join its marathon team, Run Red.

The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago first teamed up with the Chicago Marathon in 2001 and since then the Run Red team has raised more than $200,000 for the Greater Chicago Red Cross and its members have logged nearly 200,000 miles in their training. Run Red has developed into one of the most accomplished charitable running teams in Chicago thanks its generous members and their dedication to the Red Cross and its life saving programs.

Membership begins with a $1,250 pledge and for your generosity you’ll receive expert training, team gear and other benefits to go along with that warm, fuzzy feeling you’ll get by knowing that the money you raise will make a real difference in the community, helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters.

As a member of Run Red you’ll receive the following benefits:

  • Official CARA membership and marathon training program ($223 Value)
  • 1 year subscription to Runner’s World magazine ($20 Value)
  • $3 entry to CARA’s Nike Ready To Run 20 Miler and post-race party with Chicago based rock band Underwater People
  • Nike Dry Fit technical shirt
  • Access to Red Cross booth in Charity Village on Marathon Day
  • Private gear check and pre-race snacks
  • Personalized runner webpage and fundraising tips
  • Official Run Red Team singlet
  • Complimentary ticket to the Run Red team breakfast during marathon weekend Complimentary First Aid Kit ($15 Value)
  • Complimentary First Aid/CPR training ($70 Value)
  • Membership in the Red Cross Auxiliary Society
  • Recognition in the Red Cross annual report

To join Run Red and begin pledging, contact Carli Franks at (312)729-6130 or frankscarli@usa.redcross.org.

There’s only limited number of team spots still available so quit procrastinating and join today!

For more information about Team Red Run and other programs offered by the Greater Chicago Red Cross visit chicagoredcross.com

Monday, April 21, 2008

The 41st Anniversary of the Oak Lawn Tornadoes is Today

The 41st Anniversary of the Oak Lawn Tornadoes is Today

Peak Tornado Season is March-May. Are you ready?

CHICAGO- April 21, 2008- Today is the 41st anniversary of the tornadoes that struck Oak Lawn. Recent severe weather, including the tornadoes that hit downtown Atlanta remind us that twisters are a real threat to our area and yes that includes downtown. Would you know what to do if one hit your home, office or school?

The peak time for tornadoes to strike is March through May and the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago provides the following safety to keep you safe when a tornado hits.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

The first step in preparing for any type of disaster is to assemble a disaster supplies kit, which should include the following items:
A first aid kit and any essential medications.
Special items for infants, the elderly or disabled.
Canned food and a can opener.
At least three gallons of water per person.
Protective clothing, bedding or sleeping bags.
A battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)

Prepare a Home Tornado Plan

Pick a place where your family can gather if a tornado is headed your way. It can be a basement or a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered. If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to get to the lowest floor, so pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information and know the difference between a tornado WATCH and a tornado WARNING:

A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.
Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by county or parish.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Rascal Flatts Teams Up with the Red Cross for New Video "Every Day"

In a historical first for the organization, American Red Cross disaster relief services is prominently featured in a new Rascal Flatts music video, ‘Every Day’ as one of several vignettes portraying everyday heroes responding to emergency situations. The video will debut on CMT, GAC, Yahoo Online, AOL, MSN and Clearchannel.com (check out the video here) In an instance of art imitating life this video comes at a time when Red Cross disaster relief workers are responding to severe weather emergencies in communities across the nation.

Red Cross featured in ‘Every Day’ music video from Still Feels Good album.“It gives us great pleasure to be able to work with a wonderful organization like the American Red Cross because of the humanitarian service it provides to this
country-and around the world." said Gary LeVox, lead singer of the band.

The video depicts Red Cross disaster relief workers providing comfort and emergency assistance to neighbors in the aftermath of a disaster. This spring the American Red Cross has provided compassionate care to thousands of people affected by disasters such as the February tornadoes that devastated several southern states and flooding throughout the Midwest.

In addition to providing disaster relief, the Red Cross helps people prepare for disasters before they strike. The Red Cross recommends people take three simple actions to “Be Red Cross Ready" for a variety of disasters and other emergencies: 1) Get a kit, 2) Make a plan and 3) Be informed.

Earthquake in Chicago!



Did you feel the shaking this morning?

Did you know what to do?

We've got some great tips on our website for Midwesteners like us. It's not second nature for us to know where to go or what to do when a quake hits. Experts tell us that where an earthquake hits once it may very well hit again so we should get prepared!

Where's the best place to go? A doorway? The bathroom?

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Feel like sharing?



Are you expecting a tax return from the government? Most of you will probably also get a tax rebate from the economic stimulus package, which means you might even have a few bucks to spare:

What if you could help others with that money, and feel pretty good to boot?


Disaster recovery can be expensive, especially for those who live paycheck to paycheck. Read about the potential your tax rebate has to change lives.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Join the Red Cross at the Inaugral Youth Power Summit!

Join us at the Inaugural Youth Power Summit on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at U.S. Cellular Field from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT. This free, fun-filled and empowering summit is open to all area high school students and is made possible through a partnership between the Red Cross and the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA), the developer, owner and operator of U.S. Cellular Field.

A unique leadership experience, the Red Cross Youth Power Summit is a great chance for young local leaders in the Chicago area to interact with one another and learn the valuable skills necessary for effective community involvement. The Summit features a number of fun and engaging activities, including team building exercises and service project demonstrations. The summit will be held at U.S. Cellular Field’s Conference and Learning Center.

To register for the Inaugural Youth Power Summit please contact the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago at (312) 729-6132 or visit http://www.chicagoredcross.org/. The event is open to all interested high school students but space is limited and registration will be first come, first serve. Interested students are encouraged to sign up soon to reserve a spot.