During Red Cross Month, Help People In Need By Supporting The American Red Cross

During March, the American Red Cross is asking everyone to help people in need by supporting the lifesaving services it provides.

“Please remember those who need our help and support the Red Cross by making a donation, becoming a volunteer, taking a class, or giving blood,” said Steve Hansen, the Northeast WI Chapter Executive “We want to thank everyone for their generosity, which has enabled us help people here at home, across the United States and around the world.”

Across the United States, March is Red Cross Month and was first proclaimed in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since that time, every president, including President Obama, has designated March as Red Cross Month. The American Red Cross is synonymous with helping people, and has been doing so for more than 130 years.

The Red Cross collects and distributes more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and trains more than 9 million people in first aid, water safety and other lifesaving skills every year. It responds to nearly 70,000 disasters in the U.S. annually, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. The Red Cross provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families – in war zones, military hospitals and on military installations around the world.

Here throughout Northeast Wisconsin and the Michigan border communities, we average a residential fire every other day. Our trained disaster teams are there to meet with the individuals and families affected around the clock. Through additional fire prevention projects and increased awareness, one goal this year is to reduce the number of fires and lost lives. Simple steps can have a profound and life-saving affect. They are: 1. Get informed about potential emergencies 2. Make a plan for if (when) an emergency hits your home and/or community. 3. Assemble an emergency kit.

“Red Cross Month is a great time for people to support our mission through family planning and giving of time, talent or treasures.” Hansen said. “Their kindness will enable us to continue our work, both here at home and across the globe.” 

The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work. An average of 91 cents of every dollar given to the Red Cross is invested in helping the people the Red Cross services 

• To volunteer contact: Jody Weyers, Volunteer Director at  920-227-4287.
• To find/register for life-saving training (First Aid, CPR, babysitting, etc)go to: redcross.org/training.
• To donate blood: Call 800-RED-CROSS or go online at redcrossblood.org to find the nearest blood drive near you.

The Northeast Wisconsin Chapter serves 20 counties with a mission to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters. To learn more about local Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the Chapter headquarters at 920-231-3590 or visit www.NEWRedCross.org. Find us on facebook.com/newredcross, twitter.com/newredcross, the local blog is newredcrossblog.org and Chapter photos are at flickr.com/photos/newredcross.

 About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Dancing with the Stars Fundraiser Exceeds Expectations

The 4^th Annual Dancing with the Stars for the American Red Cross of Northeast Wisconsin exceeded expectations, with the largest (sell-out) crowd, record fundraising and increased awareness to programs and services. This year’s event was held on Saturday, February 18 at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Green Bay.

Rebecca Schuld

Together, with the amazing efforts of our ten celebrity dancers, our sponsors, and with the support of the community, we raised $189,000 to support Red Cross programs and services in our community.

“Here at the American Red Cross, we are truly humbled by the outpouring of community support received through the “Dancing with the Stars” event,” said Steve Hansen, the Chapter Executive. “Saturday night, the entire event concluded with the entertainment and demonstration of dancing skills by our 10 stars, but the real event started well over three months ago, when our dancers made the commitment to raise funds to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross.”

Hansen also said, “Along with the outstanding support from our sponsors and community, the dancers poured everything they had into this event by generously volunteering their time and talent to make this event a huge success. On behalf of the American Red Cross, thank you for bringing compassion and hope to those in need!”

Thank you to our sponsors including: Oneida Nation of Wisconsin; State Farm; Festival Foods; Nicolet National Bank; Broadway Automotive and the Schneider National Foundation. We also thank our media partners of WBAY-TV2 and WIXX for their promotional support.

Our dancers definitely put their best foot forward to entertain and dazzle a sold-out crowd of 810 guests and volunteers. Our evening began with dinner and followed by our all-star dance program were each celebrity performed two dances. The night concluded with the awards ceremony and open dance for all our guests with music provided by Big Mouth & the Power Tools.

Taking away the top honors for the Mirror Ball Fundraising Trophy was Kate Burgess (right), Owner & President of FulfillNet AND Staci Kring (left), Vice President, Retail Sales of Schreiber Foods. These two ladies raised $47,000 each to support the Red Cross.

The People’s Choice award for showcase one went to Tommy Lemkuil and Taryn Oleson for their jive to “Footloose”. People’s Choice award for showcase two went to Staci Kring and Rane Cegelski for their Foxtrot to “Fever”.

Alyssa Zellner and Brad Hutjens

The Judge’s Choice were awarded to Brad Hutjens and Alyssa Zellner, for their Cha Cha to “Give Me Everything (Tonight)” for showcase one and for showcase two Matt Smith and Kari Hinrichs won for their Waltz to “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman”.

Special judges award went to Tom Lemkuil and Kate Burgess for their showmanship and Staci Kring for her technical expertise.

Special thanks to George Graphos, Cami Rapson and Chris Roth WBAY-TV 2 Anchors for being the masters of ceremonies and to Rebecca Messenger and Tom Choudoir for their professional, colorful and official judging commentary.

Dawn McCoy and Chris Flores

Thank you to all our star dancers for their time, commitment, energy and passion: Kate Burgess, Owner & President of FulfillNet; Tommy Fox, On Air Personality, WIXX; Brad Hutjens, Vice President/Chief Credit Officer of Nicole National Bank; Staci Kring, Vice President, Retail Sales, Schreiber Foods; Tom Lemkuil, Architect; Dawn McCoy, Owner of Tranquility Spa; Tricia Nell, Attorney, Liebmann Conway Olejniczak & Jerry, S.C.; Rebecca Schuld, Meteorologist, WBAY-TV2; Matt Smith, Weekend Morning Anchor, WBAY TV2; Robert (Bob) Warpinski Jr, IBM Senior Location Leader & Client Executive;  and Janet Gollnick, owner of DanceSport of Green Bay and artistic director of the event, Rane Cegelski, Chris Flores, Kari Hinrichs, Jay Morth, Taryn Oleson and Alyssa Zellner from DanceSport of Green Bay.

Thank you to our committee, volunteers and most of all the community for supporting your local American Red Cross of Northeast WI.

To view photos and video of the entire evening please go to our Facebook Page.

From Red Cross Volunteer to Bride: A Love Story

After 55 years of marriage, Dick and Sara Nooe still appreciate that the American Red Cross brought them together.

by Barbara Behling, American Red Cross

Dick and Sara Nooe fell in love more than 50 years ago when she was a Red Cross Gray Lady in a VA Hospital. Photo Credit: Barbara Behling

U.S. Marine Dick Nooe was shot multiple times in the leg and the face, three days before the end of the Korean War. Blinded by the shots, Dick felt his life—as he knew it—was over.

Evacuated by helicopter to the nearest Mash Unit, he ultimately made his way to the Blind Rehabilitation Ward at the Hines Veterans Administration Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. He remained there from February through July 1954. While there he healed, with the help of one very special American Red Cross volunteer—a Gray Lady named Sara Scotchell.

Sara, a young professional, signed up with several gals in her office to become Red Cross Gray Ladies, named for the grey uniforms the volunteers wore. Gray Ladies read and wrote letters, talked and provided non-medical support to sick, injured and disabled veterans.  

 Every Thursday, Sara’s team, assigned to support the blind unit, would host a social, providing snacks, beverages and music. “We were there to help the veteran’s become more active,” she commented. “Dick was standing in the corner, looking a bit pathetic, so I asked him to dance.”

That dance was the first of many in their 55 years of wedded bliss. “We weren’t supposed to go out with any of them, but we did start to smooch a bit,” she blushes. Dick adds. “The boys told me she was good looking and if we went outside I could see a muffled outline of her face and body. While never truly seeing her, I know she is beautiful.”

After Dick was discharged from the hospital, he returned to Oregon to pursue a Social Work degree. The two kept in touch by letter and an occasional phone call. Sara would tape a love letter on a recording device and send it to him; he would listen to it on a Dictaphone belt. She traveled to Oregon during one summer break. The long-distance engagement was official in 1956. Soon after, Dick earned his graduate degree and they started a family.

Today, the Nooes live in Neenah, Wisconsin. At 80, Dick is still counseling part-time and is still giving back by working with local veterans. A year ago, they returned to Hines Veterans Administration Hospital to visit with other blind veterans. Dick always delivers a message of hope. “Look at us, together we have enjoyed a wonderful life,” he says, “We are blessed with two children and six grandchildren. We love to travel to Europe, Hawaii and across the United States.”

Each summer, they attend their military reunions—even though each year fewer and fewer veterans are there. Sara’s Gray Lady dress and hat have been safely stored through the decades. Her Red Cross volunteer pin is placed in the family keepsake box. It’s right next to Dick’s military ribbons of valor, including the Purple Heart.

Today, Dick and Sara continue to support the American Red Cross across the country and around the globe. “I give in my wife’s honor,” he said. “Just imagine if I had not had this young Red Cross volunteer in my life?”

American Red Cross Unveils New Brand Identity

New look honors history while appealing to new generation of donors, volunteers

The American Red Cross officially unveiled its new brand identity today with a logo that features the iconic Red Cross in a button, symbolizing the personal participation of volunteers, employees and supporters in the Red Cross mission. This new identity is designed to appeal to both long-time Red Cross supporters as well as an entirely new generation of volunteers and donors, who are eager to show their affiliation with the organization.

The new identity is a systematic evolution of the 130-year-old organization. The Red Cross, one of the world’s most recognized, iconic and trusted brands, has historically represented hope, safety on the battlefield and care in crisis. The new identity also reflects the organization as it is today: modern, authentic and innovative.

The presentation of the Red Cross logo is similar to the lapel pins and buttons worn by Red Cross supporters in the early part of the 20th century. While most people think of disaster relief and blood donation when they think of the Red Cross, the updated brand identity is meant to invite people to learn more about the organization and its mission.

”We want to show more people how they can be part of a Red Cross that intersects with their lives in many ways,” said Peggy Dyer, chief marketing officer of the Red Cross. “We’re proud of both our history and our future. We look forward to telling our story to a wider audience and the new brand identity is an important step in that process.”

The Red Cross partnered with branding and design firm Turner Duckworth to create this new visual identity system. Audiences received a sneak peek of the new identity in the Red Cross’ holiday ads in December when Red Cross teamed up with ad partner BBDO NY, the Red Cross agency of record.

“Our objective was to bring forth aspects of the Red Cross heritage that are still relevant today, with a modern—rather than historical—approach,” Turner Duckworth founding partner David Turner said. “The logo is now a pin that symbolizes a sense of belonging and enthusiastic participation. We are honored to have worked on this project to help position the Red Cross for the future.”

The Red Cross will continue to roll out the new branding when it debuts its redesigned corporate website, redcross.org, later this year. The new site will use the logo button, updated graphics and an enhanced usage of photography. It will also feature user-generated content to better share authentic Red Cross stories. Next month, as part of March is Red Cross Month, hundreds of local events will feature the new visual identity system.

BBDO is also developing a public service ad campaign that will feature the real stories of people whose lives have been touched by the Red Cross mission.

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

American Red Cross Announces Nurse Assistant Training

The local American Red Cross is expanding its health and safety training to include a Nurse Assistant Training program to residents throughout the greater Fox Valley. The state-approved program prepares students to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in the state of Wisconsin. Classes will be offered every other month at the Oshkosh location beginning in March.

 When: March 12-29, Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Where: American Red Cross (Tower West Building), 515 South Washburn St., Oshkosh

Clinicals:  April 2-5 or April 9-12, Monday-Thursday 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Bethel Homes, Oshkosh

State Exam:  May 3, 2012 at 7:30 a.m.

Class Size:  Class sizes are limited to 12-16 students per session. Early registration is highly recommended as it’s on a first-registered basis.

The comprehensive 120-hour course curriculum includes a classroom, lab and practical learning experience that offers future healthcare professionals the necessary knowledge and skills to provide quality care for elderly or sick individuals in nursing homes, hospitals and at home.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the number of jobs for Certified Nurse Assistants inWisconsinis projected to grow by 38 percent during the 2008-2018 time period, with an average of 1,000 job openings each year.

“We are seeing significant growth in the Wisconsin healthcare industry due to an aging baby-boomer population, which increases the need for certified nurse assistants, home health aides and registered nurses,” said Paulene Kipke, Certified Nursing Assistant Training Manager forEastern Wisconsin. “We’re excited to offer this training opportunity for those interested in starting a healthcare career. With the growing healthcare job market, these skills will always be in demand.”

Course topics include helping people stay independent; taking temperature, pulse and respiration; understanding and helping patients in pain; understanding human development; being sensitive to patients; improving communication skills; understanding medical terms and launching a career as a nurse assistant.

The Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training program is also available inGreen BayandWaupaca,WI.

Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

An open house and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Monday, February 20 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. for those interested in learning more about the program.Toursof the classroom and lab space will also be available. The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 2:00 p.m.

For more information or to register for a class, call (920) 231-3590 or toll free at (888) 231-3590.  

 About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

American Red Cross Announces New Learn-to-Swim Program Pricing

The American Red Cross is announcing a new Learn-to-Swim program pricing structure for aquatic providers.

This price adjustment and new package offering, which goes into effect June 1, is in response to feedback received by the Red Cross from discussions and research conducted with aquatic providers over the past six months.

The package includes a $350 annual fee per facility with 100 Learn-to-Swim student learning fees, certificates, banners, posters and promotional items. The Red Cross will offer providers that conduct Red Cross Lifeguarding courses a $300 annual fee with 150 initial Learn-to-Swim enrollments and certificates. Additional student learning fees with certificates for both packages will be available for only $1 each.

“The adjusted pricing should enable our partners to continue to provide Red Cross Learn-to-Swim programs,” said Steve Glockenmeier, vice president, Preparedness and Health and Safety Services, at the Red Cross. “We look forward to strengthening relationships with our existing aquatic partners and forging new ones.”

The 2012 swim season pricing package contains incentives for facilities to become true partners of the Red Cross by offering aquatics and other training courses in their communities. Those providers with a high volume Learn-to-Swim enrollment base (e.g., 1,000 or more) that offer other Red Cross training programs will also be eligible for additional discounts and partnership opportunities. National Recreation and Park Association members will receive a 10 percent discount on aquatic printed and web-based training materials.

Red Cross representatives will be contacting aquatic providers to explain the new pricing package, to discuss how the system will work and to answer any questions they may have. These representatives will work with providers to ensure that they can continue to offer Red Cross programs and to explore scholarship opportunities for underprivileged communities.

The Red Cross is committed to increasing water safety awareness and decreasing the number of drownings by making training courses available to even more people across the country. Countless lives have been saved because providers offer Red Cross programs in their communities. People can learn more about Red Cross aquatic programs by visiting redcross.org/swimming.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org