Local fashion and beauty representative partners with the Greater Chicago Red Cross!

These days, everyone is doing their best to cut expenses and save money. Being a college student, who is already on a strict budget to begin with, the economic downturn has really effected my beauty and fashion selections. When it comes to a great look for less, I have found a great solution in mark. Better yet, mark. has decided to partner with the Red Cross in the month of July!

mark. is an Avon organization offering a variety of make-up, skincare, fragrance, and fashion products for a fantastic price. mark. products are not sold in stores, they are sold through representatives and online. During the month of July, a Chicago representative has decided to donate all of her profits to the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. To take a look at all mark products and support the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, click here . This month, when you shop mark. you can reap the benefits of a great product and low price, all while supporting the lifesaving services of the Red Cross!

Some of my favorite products from mark. include:

• Juice Gems Flavored high-shine gloss
  Eyemarker Color On Line
  Have a Heart Necklace
  Self Sanctuary Honey Jasmine Body Butter
  Multi-Task Weekender Bag

This is one of the many ways your everyday activities can support the Red Cross! Additional partners include; GoodSearch.com, AT&T, Flowerpetal.com, Berry Chill, and GoodShop.com. Learn how to make your dollar go farther and support the Red Cross by visiting www.chicagoredcross.org/fundraisers.

Happy Shopping!

Mari Bryerman
Community Fundraising Intern at the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago

Would you be prepared to save your pet’s life?

Many people have a close bond with their pets. Their pets are a companion, a friend, and even a part of the family.

I have seen this first hand. My father loves cats; he even named his cat Sox, after his favorite team~ the White Sox. I have seen him spend countless days sitting on the couch with his favorite pet right by his side. The cat even waits for my dad to come home from work, and then hops on his lap as soon as he sits down.

I have seen this scenario played out countless times with multiple friends and family members. Whether it is dogs, cats, or any other pet, many people treat their pets as a member of the family. They play with their pets, by special treats for them, and some even bring their pets on vacations. And I know that all of these friends and family members would do just about to anything to protect their pets from harm.

American Red Cross is helping people prepare to do just that. The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago offers Pet First Aid Classes and Pet Safety Tips that help people prepare to keep their pets safe in times of emergencies.

American Red Cross of Greater Chicago is offering $10 off Pet CPR Classes and 15% off Pet First Aid Kits designed to help you learn how to keep your furry friends safe in the case of an emergency.

Learn how you can be prepared to save your pet’s life.

~Megan~
American Red Cross of Greater Chicago Marketing and Communications Intern

HAPPY FRIDAY!

If you’re one of the 9.5% of Americans that is unemployed, volunteering for the American Red Cross is a great way to avoid employment gaps and keep you active.

Layoffs are slowing, but jobs are scarce, leaving nearly 7 million Americans collecting unemployment checks and retailers looking for customers. The bad news is joblessness is at a 25-year high, with almost 1 out of every 10 Americans out of work. The good news is that the number of newly laid-off workers requesting unemployment insurance fell by 52,000, the Labor Department reported yesterday.

If this alarming figure includes you, there’s an opportunity to make the most of the situation by volunteering or interning at your Chicago Red Cross chapter. While you wait for the economy to rebound, keep your skills sharp and, network and make contacts while giving back to your community. At last, the up side of the worst unemployment to batter the country since the early 1980s.

Career counselors routinely advise people who've lost their jobs to volunteer for charitable organizations, both to broaden their resumes and to fill their unemployed hours. Although the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, released last September, show only a slight uptick in the number of Americans doing volunteer work, experts think the numbers this year will tell a different story.

According articles in The Examiner, The Baltimore Sun and Crain’s Cleveland Business, many recently-laid-off volunteers are looking to stay involved and broaden their own skill set to assist in their transition to another job. The volunteers are not looking to sit on the nonprofit's board, but they instead hope to join committees in which they can use their skills to help lead the organization.

I’ve personally loved my experience as a Red Cross Auxiliary Board member, with tremendous opportunities to network, take on leadership roles across a variety of projects and be a part of one of the most respected organizations in the world! For information on how you can volunteer: Complete the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago application. You may also request a hard-copy application form by contacting chicagoVR@usa.redcross.org or (312) 729-6222. To join the Auxiliary Society to participate in one of our many event and fundraising committees, click here and complete your membership by paying here.

It Used to Be a Bright House

Part of my job is to call people we’ve helped and see if they’d be up for sharing their story. Sometimes it’s still too tough for them, so I just listen. But most of the time people really want to share.

I just talked to a man whose family had a fire yesterday here in the city. Their apartment was a total loss, and he came home to see the apartment in ruins and his family standing outside:

“Everything was burnt,” he said. “It used be a bright house. The walls were bright, everything was white. When I walked in there (after the fire) everything was black and wet and broken. It was a pretty bad sight.”

His family was standing on the sidewalk, visibly distraught in front of their wrecked home, and a man passing by told them to call the Red Cross. “It was a complete stranger. That was so nice of him.” That stranger’s advice led to some immediate relief.

Within minutes, Red Cross volunteers were on the scene, including Patsy O’Kieffe. Patsy talked to the family, assessed the damage and gave them emergency assistance for food, clothing and shelter. That help meant the world to the man I spoke with today.

“The next thing we know, we’re in a pretty good position. We’re moving on,” he said.

Volunteers like Patsy go out every day with our Disaster Action Team to help local disaster victims move on.

“When I go out, I know I’m helping my community,” Patsy said. When she goes to fires, she thinks, “That could be my house. I’d want someone to be there for me, too.”

If you want to help out, become a Red Cross volunteer. Visit www.chicagoredcross.org/volunteer to learn more.

Thanks to the man who shared his story today, and thanks to Patsy and all the DAT volunteers. We appreciate you.

Babysitters BootCamp Is Going to Rock

When I was growing up, babysitting was my dream job. The girls who watched my brother and me on my parents’ date nights were like celebrities in our kiddie lives. We’d request Tammy, because she was the sweetest and let us stay up the latest. And she liked playing Hungry Hungry Hippos.

I was also obsessed with The Babysitters Club books and their spunky, entrepreneurial spirit. I would have been Kristy.

Needless to say, I was itching to begin babysitting. Before I could start, my mom signed me up for Red Cross babysitters training at the local fire department. We learned how to save a child from choking, how to hold an infant, and some fun games for kids of different ages and stages of development.

More than anything, I learned what it was going to mean to be in charge. If something scary happened, it was up to me to protect the kids and myself.

I used those skills in my long career of babysitting, mostly caring for the growing family across the street that (I think) peaked at 10 kids. While reading countless bedtime stories, changing diapers, giving baths and heating up zillions of bowls of mac ‘n cheese, I became a pretty great babysitter. And I grew up quite a bit, too.

This summer, kids can sign up for a two-day Babysitters BootCamp through the Greater Chicago Red Cross. They’ll learn a lot of the same skills I did, and they’ll be fully certified in First Aid and Child and Infant CPR. To learn more, visit www.chicagoredcross.org/babysit

Have any good babysitting stories? Post them in the comments!

American Red Cross of Greater Chicago Wishes You a Safe and Happy Fourth of July!

Fourth of July is my favorite Holiday. It is a time where I get together with friends and family to spend hours in the sun, swimming, grilling, relaxing and watching fireworks. To me nothing could be better.

A few years back I had some friends who decided to light bottle rockets off in an alley near our house. Simple and seemingly harmless. However, as the night progressed, these same friends began to entertain themselves by lighting off multiple bottle rockets at a time. I wanted no part of it, but I let them be because they seemed to be having fun.

It was no more than minutes later that a friend of mine walked into the house with his entire hand bleeding. He was not being safe, and the bottle exploded in his hand, cutting his entire hand open, and needless to say ruining his 4th of July fun. We were having a blast until this simple act of carelessness, put fear into all of us.

Now, I know you may not believe that this will happen to you, or maybe that this story was not that bad. But I am left wondering if he wasn’t hurt then, would things of escalated? Things like this happen all of the time, and it is important to remember that despite the hours of relaxation and fun you are having you must first watch out for your safety and the safety of those around you.

As you travel to lake houses, vacations, to visit friends or family or stay home, be careful not just with fireworks, but with all activities. Whether grilling, swimming, or other activities you do, practice safe actions. I am not here to lecture, nor do I want to put a damper in your mood before this great, and to me the best, holiday weekend, but I do encourage a little safety. Don’t let not being prepared ruin your weekend.

That is why I am offering these safety tips, encouraging you to have fun, but be safe. American Red Cross even has tips and kits to provide you with all your Preparedness needs.

Have a great weekend and an amazing Fourth of July!

~Megan~

Photo courtesy of Merrick Brown

Measure a Year: 1,236

(This is a beautiful new video from the American Red Cross that gets to the heart of why this is YOUR Red Cross. Hope you like it.)

It feels a bit like New Year’s Day in the middle of summer, and in Chicago we’ve got a big number to celebrate: 1,236. That’s the number of LOCAL disasters our relief workers have responded to in the past year. (June 30 was the end of our fiscal year, thus the New Year’s feeling and the tallying of that number.) And I can’t help but think that this terribly large number says much more about people than it does with anything else.

First of all, I bet you didn’t know that so many disasters happen in Chicagoland, but they do. And for each one of those 1,236 numbers, a family (and sometimes dozens of families) had their lives changed by a fire, flood or other emergency. Every year, we help more than 5,000 local disaster victims.

That number also symbolizes responses by our volunteers. When the phone rings at the Red Cross alerting us of a local disaster, it’s usually our volunteers who go out to comfort disaster victims and to bring them emergency relief for food, clothing and shelter. We’re alerted by local fire and police departments, from neighbors and clergy and friends of victims. And when they call, our volunteers leave their homes—sometimes in the middle of the night—to go out and help. More than 80% of recent responses have been by volunteers, which allows our paid staff to build up an even stronger volunteer base.

And of course, the critical number beneath this all is how many donors gave to the Red Cross to make sure this work happens. I don’t have exact numbers yet for how many individuals gave—that will happen soon in our annual report—but NONE of this work would be possible without your generosity.

So many thanks to all of you who support the Red Cross during this fiscal year. This number’s packed full of meaning, and I hope you find ways to tally not just numbers, but acts of compassion and kindness.

Kristin Claes is a writer at the Greater Chicago Red Cross.

A Tribute to Our Independence Day

Hey Red Cross Readers! When you see the fireworks on the Fourth of July and remember our fight for independence, remember also that the Red Cross movement began on the battlefield. After witnessing the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino in 1859, Henry Dunant organized and set up temporary hospitals, recruited volunteers, and cared for the wounded soldiers without regard to their side in the conflict.

The Red Cross has always embraced the principles of voluntary service and neutrality, and we still provide vital services to military personnel through our Services to the Armed Forces Program. This program is an emergency communication network that transmits over 800,000 messages a year for the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families. We recently expanded our Service to Armed Forces Program to include active military members and veterans who are currently at military hospitals. Whether it is the happy news of the birth of a child or difficult news that a loved one has been critically injured, the support we receive is what enables this communication.

Independence Day is a great time to show your support of our troops and veterans. Join us in making this important expansion possible. Honor someone who has significantly impacted your life by giving a tribute gift in their honor or in memory. Visit our website or call (312) 729-6120 with any questions and make your gift today.

To reach members of your family who are in the armed forces, during times of emergency need, call the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces Community Facility toll-free number: 1-888-737-4306. Thanks for your support!

- George Hofmann is an intern with the Resource Development at the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Today’s blog is dedicated to recruiting runners to our Run Red Team to join the Red Cross the Back of America Chicago Marathon, Chicago 13.1 and Chicago Half Marathon.

Join runners from all over the country and become part of a growing community of philanthropic athletes. Our Run Red Team members are generous runners who raise much-needed funds for the Red Cross as part of their marathon preparation.

Join the team to train and participate in the following events. You can sign up for:

Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Chicago 13.1
Chicago Half Marathon

Since its inception in 2001, the Run Red Team has raised more than $300,000 for the Greater Chicago Chapter and has run nearly 300,000 miles in their training. In exchange for reaching runners’ fundraising goals, we provide expert training, team gear, and the support of a cohesive team.

As a team member, you’ll support our services. The Red Cross helps disaster victims avoid hunger and homelessness and also brings CPR and other preparedness classes to more than 250,000 people each year in our area. Learn more about the Red Cross here.

Our runners are generous individuals who train together for the Bank of Chicago Marathon to raise much-needed funds for the American Red Cross to help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

Visit www.chicagoredcross.org/runred to learn more.

United We Stand, United We Serve

I am a firm believer that nations are, and will always be, strongest when they unite as one and stand together. When we stand united we have the power to impact one another, our communities, the nation and the world in ways we would not have otherwise been able to dream of. As we face trying economic times, it is now that we should stand together to make a change, and to make a difference.

President Barack Obama has implemented a summer service initiative, United We Serve, that calls upon every individual to join together to serve and better their communities.

United We Serve is a national service initiative asking us to make volunteerism and community service a part of our everyday life. United We Serve kicked-off June 22, and will continue for 81 days, as we all join together to renew our community, and our nation, together.

I do not claim to be an avid volunteer, but I think this initiative is a great idea. I think it can bring people together for a better cause. There is no better time than now to volunteer in your community, to join others in an effort to better your community and our nation. I encourage you to join me in an effort get out there and volunteer in your community.

The American Red Cross has been helping communities since the 1800’s, so it should come as no surprise that we were ecstatic to hear about this initiative.

In response to United We Serve American Red Cross of Greater Chicago has initiated a youth service project for high school students.On June 26, AmeriCorps VISTA members and high school volunteers will distribute flyers and door hangers about fire safety in the Humboldt Park Neighborhood.

We would love to have you join the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago by volunteering with us. Find out more about how you can volunteer with the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago.

~Megan~

Chicago Flooding

Hello Chicago – this is Lily reporting to you after a very wet weekend!

I woke up Friday morning and prepared myself for a job interview downtown. As I left my apartment, however, I discovered that getting downtown – a relatively easy adventure from my Lincoln Square apartment – was going to be tricky. Water was everywhere - the cars parked on the street had water halfway up the tires, a fire hydrant was just short of being completely submerged and I was ankle deep on the sidewalk!

My shifts with the DAT team do not begin until Saturday evening, but I said a small prayer for my co-workers as I knew how busy this weekend was going to be – and was it ever!

But never fear – the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago Disaster Services crew works best under pressure and came to the rescue in several communities this weekend!

The city of Zion opened a shelter for residents who experienced rain water gushing into their apartments and homes. The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago assisted the city by providing food, cots, blankets, and staff.

During this time, Disaster Services also addressed the needs of families affected by flooding in the city limits, Elgin, Marengo, and Waukegan!

Thankfully enough, things seem to be quieting down once again here in Disaster Services.
If you happen to run into a DAT or Mass Care volunteer or staff member, be sure to give them a thumbs up or pat on the back – most of the work we do, especially with flooding is rewarding, but challenging. I hope everyone was able to catch up on sleep and relax a bit.

If you have been affected by flooding this past weekend, please contact us at (312) 729-6100 for information about organizations that may be able to help.

Love,

Lily

P.S.

To address the next bit of extreme weather Chicago will be experiencing (90 on Tuesday, 92 Wednesday with a warning of an 100 degree heath index), please check out these Red Cross tips regarding being safe in the heat!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Griffin Lounge was the latest site of the Red Cross of Chicago’s most successful social event series for young professionals, Flirting for Disaster.

Yesterday’s event raised several thousand dollars and was host to almost 100 coquettish Chicagoans in an event created to support chapter functions and provide tips for a trendy Chicago summer.

The night was filled with playful chatter, the usual lively atmosphere of all our flirting events, and amazing drink specials all night. But it didn’t end there…There was a fashion show featuring the latest apparel from AKIRA draped over gorgeous models, complimentary appetizers for the most discerning taste buds, and a raffle with special prizes provided by our generous donors and sponsors.

The night kicked off with a Red Cross-sponsored Smirnoff cocktail reception from 6-7pm followed by a Sake tasting and the fashion show while DJ Huu T. Ly provided live music all night to set the stage for the intimate gathering of the friendly locals that migrate to our mixers.

Special thanks to Red Eye, our Media Sponsor, for getting the word out about the event. Thanks to Griffin Lounge for providing the perfect venue, great drink specials and Smirnoff for the complimentary cocktail reception. Thanks to DJ Huu T. Ly for donating his talent and providing the great beats, District 5 jewelry for displaying their gorgeous accessories, Ra Sushi for appetizers, as well as Tamarind Sushi and Southern Wine & Spirits for providing the sake tasting.

The AKIRA fashion show, with hair and beauty by Zazu Hair Salon & Day Spa really made the event come alive. Thanks to our volunteer models and the planning committee—your tireless efforts were much appreciated and truly made this a successful event!

Photos of the night’s events will be available soon at www.chicagoredcross.org/flirtingfordisaster.

Join us on August 14, 2009 at 8 p.m at the Chicago Cultural Center for our newest event, Mission: Red, The Experience Auction. You can purchase discounted tickets online if you picked up the flier at last night’s event. Or, you can purchase tickets for a discounted rate at our Pre-Sale Happy Hour next Wednesday at Goose Island, starting at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.chicagoredcross.org/missionred.

Also, become a fan of our Facebook fan page, follow us on Twitter and join our LinkedIn group!

New Ways to Support the Chicago Red Cross

The Chicago Red Cross has recently partnered with AT&T!

When you order AT&T Advanced TV, Local Phone Service, or High Speed Internet service, you can simultaneously help raise money to support the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. AT & T offers a variety of services and each purchase you make through this link will aid the Red Cross in serving local disaster clients because AT&T will donate a portion of your costs to the Red Cross!

AT&T is one of many partners supporting the Red Cross every day and you would be surprised at how many ways you can help support the Red Cross through your everyday activities. Things like banking, dining out, purchasing flowers and even searching the internet can benefit the Red Cross.

So, keep doing what you're doing, but help the Red Cross at the same time??? Yes, really, it's that simple! You can check out the full list of partners and start helping the Red Cross today by visiting www.chicagoredcross.org/fundraisers.

Tweet, Blog and Follow the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago’s Annual Meeting

As an avid Facebook user throughout most of college, I did not look at Facebook as much more than a way to procrastinate when doing homework or planning a party. Shortly into my discovery of Facebook, it became something more than that. It became a way for me to talk to friends, and to share inside jokes. It became a way for me to contact my brother in Iraq when he was overseas. It helped me contact family members I had not seen in years, and for us to become reunited. It became a way to identify myself, a way to show who I am, but more importantly it became a way for me to become part of something bigger.

As a new member to Twitter, I have recently begun to realize how these social mediums have shaped our recent culture. Social media has helped interconnect to people across the globe. It helps bring a divided world together, through the sharing of information, ideas and thoughts. It unites people across the world.

For instance, working at the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, I have the opportunity to Tweet about lifesaving efforts of volunteers and let people know that there are people out there making a difference in their community. I am personally able to help connect with the local community and unite the Greater Chicago Red Cross with the people around the Chicagoland area.

Tomorrow the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago will be hosting their Annual Meeting, and will host a live tweeting of the discussion. We want you to join us in this discussion. You can join American Red Cross and those in attendance in a Live Tweet that will discuss the events of the evening.

The Annual Meeting will include a rundown of what the American Red Cross has done over the past year, how the Red Cross has helped local communities, and a look at how social media campaigns will help change the way non-profit organizations communicate with supporters in the future. Thomas Gensemer, Managing Partner at Blue State Digital, and President Obama’s “secret weapon” in the digital media campaign, will lead the social media discussion.

The Annual Meeting will be held Wednesday (tomorrow) June 17, 2009 at 6 p.m. We are inviting you to join in to our discussion on twitter.com by searching #annualmtg, or to post to our discussion on our American Red Cross of Greater Chicago Twitter page.
This is a great way for you to unite with your local community and the Greater Chicago Red Cross. So come online Tweet, Blog and Follow the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago’s Annual Meeting.

~Megan Wallace~
Marketing and Communication Intern with American Red Cross of Greater Chicago

Farewell

Hello all!

I write to you, my avid readers, with a heavy heart. This is my last blog entry for the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago because my AmeriCorps program has come to its completion. I would like to make this short and sweet because it is surely not the last time I will be contributing to the mission of the American Red Cross, as I will continue to volunteer in some capacity.

I would like to thank all of my coworkers (especially my partner extraordinaire Lily) and everyone else who contributes to the success of Disaster Services. This office truly exudes the compassion needed to work in emeregency management and I know everyone will continue to do their best to serve the communities of Greater Chicago.

I would also like to acknowledge AmeriCorps as an organization. By participating in this program I have learned so much and have been exposed to so many news things. Without AmeriCorps I would not be the person I am today, and would not have the goals I hope to accomplish.

Finally, to all of you readers, I appreciate you checking in on what the DAT members are doing and the issues that we feel are important.

This organization will not succeed without the tireless help from its volunteers so my biggest thank you goes out to all the people I have had the privelage to respond with. There are too many people to name, but I feel lucky to have met so many great people. Please keep up the good work and know that you are making a huge difference in peoples lives.

Thanks again for reading, its been fun writing!

Sam

Quick Quiz - Do You Know What The Red Cross Can Do For You?

Being volunteers with two organizations (The American Red Cross and AmeriCorps) that people know little about, it really tries the patience when catching up with old friends or meeting with new ones to try to explain what exactly it is we do? Quite a bit of times, people assume we’re nurses or take blood – a very silly assumption considering Sam doesn’t like to be around blood and I am no where near nice enough to be a nurse.
To be quite honest, when we are on scene at a fire it is quite common that someone gets frustrated with us, not because we are not helping, but because their expectations of the Red Cross do not coincide with what we actually do.

So we are going to use today to have a quick review of the services the American Red Cross is able to provide – feel free to shout it from the roof tops, tell your friends, your neighbors, or just some strangers.

- Provide temporary financial relief for immediate clothing, food and shelter needs for an emergency timeframe (48 hours).
- Help to replace lost/damaged medications.
- Assist in connecting clients to other organizations for long term assistance.
- If necessary, Mass Care Sheltering
- Provide flood clean-up kits
- Provide lost toiletry items.
- Help with funeral expenses.
- Provide Mental Health support
- BE COMPASSIONATE!

I feel that it is important to note that the American Red Cross recieves all of its funding from generous donations from people like you.

Thank you.

~Sam and Lily

Have a Drink for Your Health

With the weekend quickly approaching, many people may be thinking they need a drink after a long week at work. Instead of heading to your local pub to unwind, why not head out to your neighborhood Jamba Juice and drink for a cause?

This weekend, all 35 Chicagoland Jamba Juice locations will be donating 20 percent of all their sales to the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. These proceeds will help support the necessary funds needed to provide disaster relief and other services that the Chicago Red Cross provides to the local community every day.

For those of you thinking, Jamba Juice doesn’t have anything that you would like, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Jamba Juice has something for everyone. Personally, I like the Jamba Classic menu, especially the Strawberry Surf Rider. Along with smoothies, and fruit-juice drinks, Jamba has a low-calorie menu, nutrition drinks and baked goods. Believe me, there is something out there for everyone. Take a look at the Jamba Juice Menu, to discover all of the drinks yourself.

You can drink Jamba Juice Friday through Sunday and know that you are making a difference in your community through the benefits provided to the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. So come on in, unwind, and enjoy your weekend by experiencing Jamba Juice, and having a drink for a cause.

Jamba Juice can be found across the Chicagoland area, so there is sure to be one near you. Check out the Jamba Juice Locations to find one close to you!

~Megan Wallace~

-Photo courtesy of Terri Swallow

What’s Good in Chicago

That’s right, Red Cross readers, summer is swiftly approaching and the weather has cleared the way for a plethora of fun and exciting events for us to enjoy in our favorite city. What’s your fancy? Whether it is music, dance, art, shopping, theatre, bike rides, conferences, nightlife, or anything else that stirs your interest, Chicago can offer it to you 1000 times over. But always remember to be safe and to be prepared before heading out to enjoy life. Not sure how? Check out our store for a preparedness kit or take a class so you can save a life.

Thursday, June 11
What: Chicago Summer Dance Festival Kick-Off
Get free professional dance lessons and enjoy a huge open-air dance floor at this 11
week fest every Thursday through Sunday until August 23.
Where: Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave.
Time: Thursday - Saturday,
6 pm - 7 pm: Dance lessons
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm: Live music and dancing
Sunday,
4 pm – 5 pm: Dance lessons led by professional instructors
5 pm – 7 pm: Live music and dancing

Friday, June 12 - September
What: Movies in the Park
See 170 current and classic movies throughout the summer. You bring a blanket, chairs,
snacks, they bring the entertainment.
Where: Your neighborhood park
Time: Dusk

Saturday, June 13
What: World Naked Bike Ride
Celebrate the end of the oil era and promote positive body image. Enjoy a 20 mile bike
ride and bare as you dare for this risqué peoples’ movement.
Where: Staring location TBA, see Chicagonakedride.org
Time: Gathering from 6 pm - 9 pm
Ride from 9 pm - Midnight

Wednesday, June 17
What: Chicago Red Cross 2009 Annual Meeting
Topic: The Not-So-Secret Weapon: Social Media Campaigning and the Future of Nonprofits.
Join us as the Obama Presidential Campaign's "digital secret weapon" shares how
strategies used on the campaign trail are now being put to work to support the American
Red Cross, and how social media may change the way nonprofits communicate with
supporters.
Guest: Thomas Gensemer, Managing Partner at Blue State Digital
Where: Loyola University of Chicago Water Tower Campus - 25 E. Pearson
Time: 6 p.m. Meeting & Presentation
7 p.m. Reception
The RSVP deadline is June 15

Thursday, June 18
What: Scarlet Rhapsody: Paint the Town RED in Fashion!
Join NAAAP and the Red Cross Auxiliary Board for this second annual event filled with
tips for a trendy summer. Red Cross sponsored Smirnoff cocktail reception 6-7pm
Fashion show featuring looks from AKIRA Drink specials all night Complimentary
appetizers Raffle DJ Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more
information, please call (312)729-6130 or Click here to buy tickets!
Where: Griffin Lounge 324 W. Chicago Ave.
Time: 6 - 9 pm

Friday, June 19 - Sunday, June 21
What: Chicago Peace Festival
Enjoy a lively festival featuring a wide variety of local music and performing artists and
showcasing the richness of our city’s cultural diversity.
Where: 1700 N. Stockton
Lincoln Park, Chicago
Time: Noon - 9 pm
Info: 708-795-1146

Sat, June 20 - 21
What: Chicago Summerfest
Come for live music, an upscale art show, food and drink, and a family area for the kids.
Where: Lincoln Park Cultural Center
2100 N. Lincoln Park
Time: Saturday, noon - 10 pm
Sunday, 11 am - 9 pm

Sat, June 27
What: Randolph Street Market
Find vintage and modern decorative objects, home furnishings, art, fashion and jewelry
at this outdoor/indoor event.
Where: 1340 W. Washington
Time: Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm

Now get out and go have some fun! Safely!

George Hofmann
Development Operations Intern at the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago

Would You Know How To Save A Life?

My last semester at college I enrolled in a CPR course, not because I thought I could save a life, or because I thought that I it would be a useful tool. I needed two credit hours to fulfill my undergraduate degree and thought of no better way to fulfill them then by taking a “blow-off” course. What is easier than a two-hour CPR/ AED class, to finish up college? It wasn’t until half-way through the course when I realized the use that would come from this class, besides simply fulfilling class credit.

I remember distinctly the moment I realized this class should not only be mandatory for students, but a class that everyone should take at some point in their life. It was a Tuesday in class when we were told we were going to learn about Infant and Child CPR. I quickly remembered a day when my 18-month old nephew was eating a piece of candy and began to choke. His face looked panicked and he could not whisper even a sound. I had no idea what to do. I had never taken a CPR, First Aid, AED or similar course. My only nephew was choking and I could not help. This is a fear I hope no one has to ever feel. Luckily, he began coughing on his own and was able to cough up this candy. While my nephew was perfectly fine, walking away as nothing had ever happened, I felt a sense of terror. I was left wondering, if something had happened, would I have been able to help?

Thankfully, American Red Cross of Greater Chicago offers CPR, AED and First Aid classes that can help prepare you for these situations.

CPR is not a class that should be taken lightly. It is a class that may help you save a life. If I had taken a class sooner I may have been able to help my nephew, and I wouldn’t have been left wondering ‘what if something happened?’ Taking a CPR or AED class could help you save your father, sister, daughter, friend, neighbor, stranger or even your own life.


Irving Ibarez, a local Chicago hero, utilized the skills and knowledge he learned at an American Red Cross CPR class, and saved his co-worker, Chuck Wendt’s, life. Without Irving, the doctors said Chuck would not have survived. Read more about Irving’s story here.

This week (June 1 – 7) is second annual National CPR/AED Awareness Week, and the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago wants to provide the community with the knowledge and skills to respond to a life-threatening situation. Red Cross is offering the community FREE AED training with the purchase of any CPR class for the entire month of June. Read more about our CPR and AED classes to discover how you can learn the necessary skills to save someone’s life.

To learn more or sign up for a CPR course, contact the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago at (800) 33-SAFETY or visit http://www.chicagoredcross.org/.

~Megan Wallace~

It Takes Two, Baby

Having become recent fans of the website “Hulu” for all of our TV needs, we came across this ad from the American Red Cross and were pretty enthused.

We thought that it delivered a great message and strongly feel that everyone should be involved with helping others – and where’s a better place to start than with the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago?

Greater Chicago’s Disaster Services responded to a pretty large fire in Rolling Meadows about two weeks ago– you may have read Kristin’s coverage on an earlier post. Strangely enough, last weekend Rolling Meadows experienced another large fire in a different complex, and as always, the Red Cross was there to help.

And now to bring it full circle…

Last week, Sam received a phone call from a woman who was assisted during the first Rolling Meadows fire. She explained that the community had been nice enough to donate cat litter and food, which she graciously offered to those affected by the second fire.

This embodies the overall message of this ad from the American Red Cross – being there for your fellow wo/man.

As summer approaches, I hope that all of you might find time in your schedule for the American Red Cross in any capacity. You can take a class, chase fires, or offer your professional knowledge.

It takes two, after all.

~Sam and Lily