FORE — 25th Annual Heroes Golf Tournament

DINNER SPONSOR

Event Details: 

Registration: 9:30 a.m.
Shotgun Start: 10:30 a.m.
Dinner: 4:30 p.m.
Oneida Country Club

Looking for Foursome and Sign Sponsors: 

Your support of this event provides financial resources used to deliver services in Northeast Wisconsin. Those services include assistance to local families impacted by fire and other disasters, assistance to military personnel and families, health and safety education and blood products to local hospitals. Due to local need, we also run community-based programs: In Outagamie County we run a Shopping & Errands program. In Winnebago County, we administer the Bridges program which provides short-term financial support for individuals and families facing temporary emergency situations. In Brown County, we provide a transportation program to seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Team Sponsorship w/ complementary sign on course: $1,200 per foursome

• 18 hole round of golf with cart

• Lunch and dinner

• Complimentary drink tickets

• Recognition as a team sponsor in all event promotional materials

• Signage on the tee or green with your company name showing your support     for the American Red Cross

Sign Sponsorship: $250 per sign  

• Signage on the tee or green with your company name showing your support for the American Red Cross

Find out more at american.redcross.org/newgolf or contact
Shawn Kiser, Special Events Coordinator, at (920) 227-4286 or Shawn.Kiser@redcross.org

The Power of a Blood Donation: Greg Honeywell

Greg Honeywell has collected several fond memories during his 30-year tenure as a pilot. Among them are playing cards with musician John Denver and flying former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole and his wife and former American Red Cross president, Elizabeth Dole.

But when he flew above the destruction that tornadoes had left behind in Greensburg, Kan., in 2007, Greg saw something he’ll always remember — a long line of Red Crossmarked vehicles heading to the devastating scene.

“The Red Cross vehicles were actually on site before the National Guard vehicles,” he said. “I was so impressed by the immediate action of the disaster services team and eventually had to get involved with this organization.”

Greg, a senior loan officer and avid golfer, began volunteering as a blood drive coordinator with the Red Cross in the fall of 2010. Closely involved with the Better Business Bureau and serving as the membership director of his local chamber of commerce, he has developed many professional ties in his community and has inadvertently sparked business ventures through his Red Cross volunteerism.

“I’m talking to at least a dozen business people every day,” he said. “When anyone mentions volunteerism or wanting to get involved somehow, I’m there to say, ‘Donate blood.’” Greg helps coordinate several blood drives every year and is currently working closely with local businesses to ensure employees are given an hour to donate blood on days when the Red Cross is in town. Additionally, Greg said the online scheduling system has enhanced his recruitment efforts and overall experience as a volunteer.

“I never want to get paid for something like this,” he said. “I get all the reward I need when I see people leaving that feel like they’ve done something to make a difference. It’s that warm and fuzzy feeling.”

 

Waupaca High School “S.A.D.D.” Chapter Hosts “Hats on for HEROES” for Local American Red Cross

Pictured Left to Right: Elizabeth Olson, Vicki Jenks (Red Cross Board Member), Nichole Thorne, Christina Rasmussen, Dale Feldt (S.A.D.D. Advisor)

By Vicki Jenks – Red Cross Board Member and Disaster Volunteer –

On Friday, March 8^th, Waupaca High School’s S.A.D.D. chapter (Dale Feldt, Advisor), helped their local American Red Cross by hosting “Hats on for HEROES”.  A simple fundraiser where students pay a $1 for the privilege of wearing a hat for the day, “Hats on For Heroes”, was also hosted at Chain O’ Lakes Elementary.

All the funds from various HEROES functions throughout not only Waupaca County, but also Waushara, Green Lake and Marquette counties, will be utilized for Local Disaster Relief and Service to the Armed Forces.

The most common disasters are RESIDENTIAL FIRES.  Every 9 minutes in the United States, a Red Cross Disaster Action Team responds to a fire.  Volunteers—due to the generosity of the American public—are able to provide temporary shelter, food, clothing, shoes, bedding, linens, and personal hygiene items.  They can even facilitate the replacement of prescription medications and eyewear.  Most important is the INVALUABLE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT rendered on site and for months to come.

New with HEROES 2013, is the donor choice of SERVICE TO THE ARMED FORCES.  Whether relaying emergency messages to service members—24/7—, volunteering at VA Hospitals, providing emergency financial assistance, seeing that a military member arrives home for a funeral or birth, the AMERICAN RED CROSS provides that “personal touch”.

“Down the street, across the country, around the world—the Red Cross is there^sm”, because of students like the members of Waupaca High School’s S.A.D.D. chapter.  Congratulations, students!!  Thank you for helping your local American Red Cross.

Boys, 9 and 10, show mom how to perform CPR and help save infant

By Erin McClam, Staff Writer, NBC News – Click HERE for video of story.

A Georgia mother says her infant son is alive today because of two neighborhood boys, ages 9 and 10, who showed her how to perform CPR when the 12-week-old baby suddenly stopped breathing.

Susanna Rohm, who lives in Marietta, told NBC affiliate WXIA in Atlanta she noticed something was “off” about her young son, Isaiah, on the frightening day last week. The boy had stopped responding to her and gone limp; when Rohm put her finger under his nose, she realized he wasn’t breathing.

She ran outside and yelled for someone to call 911, and two boys who were playing football, 9-year-old Rocky Hurt and 10-year-old Ethan Wilson, rushed to help her. Rohm says she was panicking, splashing water on the baby’s face and trying to do CPR.

The boys stopped her.

“I told her to push on the baby’s chest five to 10 times with only two fingers, tilt back the baby’s head, plug the baby’s nose and breathe into the baby’s mouth,” Rocky told WXIA.

Rohm says the boy said it so confidently that she listened to him right away. Within seconds, the baby began screaming.

“I told her that’s a good sign because the baby’s breathing,” Rocky said.

Paramedics arrived a short time later. Rohm told another Atlanta TV station, WAGA, that the baby spent two nights in the hospital, was diagnosed with sleep apnea and is being watched by doctors.

According to WAGA, the scare happened last Monday.

Rohm said she had never met the boys before, who live near her in Marietta, which is outside of Atlanta.

The boys say they learned CPR from posters in the cafeteria at their school, Sedalia Park Elementary.

“We just wanted to know just in case it happened,” Ethan said, “but we never knew that we’d have to do that.”

This is just one story on how with even a little bit of knowledge, you can save someones life!  Why not get trained as a family – check out our NEW Online Family First Aid & CPR course.  

This online course prepares you to care for adult, child, and infant family members and others during a medical emergency until advanced medical personnel take over. This self-paced and highly interactive course includes lessons on how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries to muscles, bones and joints, sudden illness, soft tissue injuries and environmental emergencies. Customize the course to your needs and interests

— take the lessons in any order and at any time — you will have unlimited access to the course for two years.

PLEASE NOTE: This course does not provide certification.

• Use the coupon FAMILY0313 and get $5 off until 3/31/13.  Click HERE to sign up today!

“Dancing with Our Stars” for the American Red Cross moving to KI Convention Center in Downtown Green Bay

6^th annual event will be held Saturday, February 15^th, 2014

Downtown Green Bay is the new destination for the annual “Dancing with Our Stars” event benefiting the American Red Cross of Northeast Wisconsin. The KI Convention Center will host the prestigious fundraiser Saturday, February 15, 2014. The event, now in its sixth year, resembles ABC Television’s hit “Dancing with the Stars” and features ten community members (known as “star dancers”) who compete both on the dance floor and to raise money for the local Red Cross.

“We are excited about partnering with the KI Convention Center and continuing to grow our amazing event,” says Shawn Kiser, Special Events Coordinator for the Red Cross.  “Dancing with Our Stars sells out every year and we look forward to the opportunity to entertain 1,000 guests at the KI.”

“We welcome the Red Cross and DWOS event to downtown with open arms.  Their event will be a unique addition to the growing list of activities taking place throughout the year in the Green Bay’s cultural center.” said Jeff Mirkes, Executive Director, Downtown Green Bay, Inc. & Olde Main Street, Inc.

The 2013 Dancing with Our Stars campaign, headlined by last month’s dancing competition, raised nearly $370,000 in net revenue for the Red Cross. Betina Driver took home the coveted Mirror Ball Fundraising Trophy. She danced with her husband, former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver, and raised $158,000.

Not only do those in attendance support local efforts, so can those not attending as the “star dancers” receive votes in the form of donations to the Red Cross. One dollar equals one vote. All funds raised support disaster prevention, preparation and relief, the life-saving training of first aid, CPR/AED classes, collection and testing of blood and blood products, support to military members serving around the globe, the transportation program and international programs.

The participants for Dancing with Our Stars 2014 will be announced sometime this fall. To nominate someone, email Shawn Kiser: Shawn.Kiser@redcross.org.

Dancing with our Stars blog: redcrossdwosblog.org

Facebook: facebook.com/NEWRedCross

Twitter: @NEWRedCross (#DWOS to join the conversation!)

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Happy 97th Birthday Blanche!!!

Blanche with the quartet “Something Old Something New” who came to sing to her on her special day!

Blanche is our oldest volunteer with the American Red Cross of Northeast Wisconsin. She has been a volunteer for 36 years. You can see Blanche every Thursday at our Blood Center – 2131 Deckner Ave, Green Bay! She will be working the registration desk!

Northeast Wisconsin Marks Red Cross Month in March by Recognizing Volunteers

Chapter seeks more volunteers as it launches easy-to-use online Volunteer Connection system

Washington, D.C. – March 13, 2013 – With March designated as Red Cross Month, Northeast Wisconsin Chapter is recognizing and honoring Red Cross supporters and volunteers as the everyday heroes vital to the organization.

The Red Cross also is encouraging people across the area to join the Red Cross by volunteering, making a financial contribution or donating blood.

“Volunteers are essential to the Red Cross and to our ability to be there in times of disaster and help in other ways in our community,” said Jody Weyers, Volunteers Director. “The Red Cross is always seeking volunteers with a diverse range of backgrounds, ages, talents and skills, and our goal is for the Red Cross to be the premier place for volunteers to work.”

The Northeast Wisconsin Chapter is especially interested in volunteers in the areas of Transportation Drivers in the Green Bay Metro area & Oshkosh, Disaster volunteers in the Waupaca and Tri-County area and Senior Friends in Winnebago County. People interested in volunteering should contact the local Red Cross chapter at 920-227-4287 or visit www.redcross.org/newisconsin

The Red Cross is launching a new online volunteer system across the country that is easy to use and better allows new volunteers to match their skills and interests to needs across the organization.

“Our new Volunteer Connection system will be a great benefit for the Red Cross, a great tool for our volunteers and a great asset to our service in communities,” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “We believe Volunteer Connection will improve our response to community needs and deliver services of the Red Cross mission by better engaging one of our greatest assets — the talents, time and dedication of our volunteers.”

Volunteer Connection, which is being used in chapters and other parts of the Red Cross across the United States, was created and deployed thanks to a $3 million grant from W.W. Grainger, Inc.

“Grainger is proud to partner with the American Red Cross in its efforts around Volunteer Connection,” said Jim Ryan, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Grainger.  “We both are committed to helping communities impacted by disaster, and this innovative new system further enables the Red Cross to deliver on its mission of providing essential humanitarian services to those in need.”

Grainger’s support for the volunteer management system is another example of its deep partnership and commitment to strengthen the Red Cross. In addition to its financial support for disaster relief, Grainger also is the national founding sponsor of the Ready When the Time Comes program, which recruits and trains the employees of local businesses and organizations as disaster responders. The program has trained more than 14,000 volunteers since 2001.

“It’s a natural fit for Grainger to be involved in emergency preparedness and we are dedicated to help build a stronger network of support within the business community,” said Ryan.

“Hats on for HEROES”

By: Vicki P. Jenks, Red Cross Board Member & Disaster Action Team volunteer

The Chain O’ Lakes Elementary School (K-2) and faculty recently held a “Hats on for HEROES” Day for the local American Red Cross in Waupaca county. 

On February 28th, the Cat in the Hat inspired the students to wear a hat all day long for just $1.  Cumulatively, the students raised $100.  The funds will be used for local disaster relief in Waupaca County.  The most prevalent disaster locally are RESIDENTIAL FIRES.  Funds raised are used for such basic needs as temporary shelter, food, clothing, shoes, bedding, linens, the replacement of prescription medications, eyeglasses, and more. 

“Down the street, across the country, around the world…the Red Cross is there” because of compassionate, generous American citizens like the students and faculty at Chain O’ Lakes Elementary.   

Principal Rhonda Hare is shown presenting Vicki P. Jenks, Red Cross Board Member and Disaster Action Team volunteer, the donation.

Be Prepared – Get the Tornado App

Get your family and home ready for a tornado with the official Tornado App from the American Red Cross. The Tornado app puts everything you need to know prepare for a tornado – and all that comes with it – in the palm of your hand. With interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to be ready.

You can download the app directly from the iTunes or Google Play app stores.

FEATURES: 

• Simple step-by-step instructions to help you know what-to-do even if the cell towers and TVs are down. Prioritized actions for before, during, and after requires no mobile connectivity.
• Audible siren that automatically goes off even if app is closed when NOAA issues a TORNADO WARNING helping to reduce the chance of sleeping through an actual warning.
• Push notification sent when a WARNING expires – especially important if power goes out while you or your family are in your safe room.
• Help distant friends and family in tornado alley with ability to receive tornado watch and warning alerts based on their location from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
• Red Cross location-based open shelters map for when you need it most.
• Be ready should a tornado hit by learning how to assemble an emergency kit for your family in the event of power outage or evacuation.
• Reduce your household’s stress and anxiety should a tornado hit by learning to make and practice an emergency plan.
• Preloaded content means you have instant access to all safety information at anytime, even without reception or an Internet connection.
• Interactive quizzes allow you to earn badges that you can share with your friends and show off your tornado knowledge.
• Know how many tornadoes have occurred in your area.
• Know the difference between a warning and alert.
• Learn how to deal with food and water impacted by floods and power outages.
• Simply let friends/family know you’re safe with customizable “I’m Safe” notification sharable thru social media, text and email.
• Let others know where you are with the Toolkit’s stobe light, flashlight and audible alert functions

During Red Cross Month, Honor the Everyday Heroes Who Help Our Communities

During Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross recognizes the nation’s Everyday Heroes who give of themselves and in some way help their community.

 “Please remember those who help all of us either down the street or across the country by giving their time to help their neighbor,” said Steve Hansen, Chapter Executive. “We want to thank our heroes during Red Cross Month – our volunteers, blood donors, class takers and financial supporters who help us assist those in need.”

March was first proclaimed as Red Cross Month 70 years ago by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since 1943, 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 responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year in this country, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. It 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; collects and distributes about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and trains more than seven million people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills every year.

 In just one fiscal year, our local Chapter responded to 171 local emergencies with trained Red Cross responders who are able to respond to disaster not just down the street but across the country. We assisted more than a 1,000 military members, their families and Veterans with pre and post-deployment briefings and emergency communications. We also brighten the holiday season for local Veterans and active duty personnel with our Holiday Mail for Heroes program. Through our Preparedness, Health & Safety services we trained thousands of people in both classroom and online courses in life-saving skills to disaster education. Throughout our area, people also rolled-up their sleeves to donate the gift of life. Throughout the state, we provide a safe and reliable blood supply for more than 40 hospitals and clinics.

“Red Cross Month is a great time for people to become part of the Red Cross and there are many different ways to do it. You can develop a preparedness plan for your household, become a Red Cross volunteer, give blood, or take a Red Cross class, just to name a few,” concluded Hansen.

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 into humanitarian services.

The Northeast Wisconsin Chapter has a number of activities planned for Red Cross Month, including:

• Governor’s State of Wisconsin Proclamation to be announced.
• All Disaster Classes are free and open to the public:
  • International Humanitarian Law course explores global relationships via the Geneva Conventions, rules of war, etc. (Saturday, March 9, 9:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.) Green Bay

Disaster Overview course provides new and perspective volunteers an overview of Disaster Services and previews involvement opportunities.

• Waupaca, WI Tuesday, March 12 (6:00p.m. – 9:30p.m.)
• Iron Mountain, MI – date/time to be announced
• Fundamentals of Disaster Mental Health & Psychological First Aid, Saturday, April 5, In partnership with the University of Wisconsin –Oshkosh Department of Professional Counseling.
• Boys & Girls Club (Fond du Lac) Family Preparedness seminar, 6:00p.m.
• Participant at 46^th Annual Governors Conference on Emergency Management and Homeland Security (March 7& 8)
• Tornado App roll-out: Starting March 4th, a free downloadable App will provide preparedness tips, define/provide watches & warning tips and more
• Flags over Fond du Lac: on the Johnson Street Bridge
• Blood Drives are hosted at various locations and at the Blood Collection Center at 2131 Deckner Avenue, Green Bay which is open five days a week. To find your nearest local blood drive visit www.redcrossblood.org.
• Introducing Babysitting Basics a new web-based course with video and interactive activities geared toward children 11 – 15 years of age. This is a compliment to the traditional classroom training course.
• Life-saving Courses like CPR/AED, first aid, babysitting, etc are being held in multiple cities and locations. To find ALL classes & to register go to www.redcross.org/TakeAClass
• Nursing Assistant Training: There is no greater calling than to provide care and compassion to those in need. Registration is now open for classes in Green Bay, Oshkosh and Waupaca. For more information visit www.redcross.org/newisconsin, call 800-727-0477 or send an email to Paulene.Kipke@redcross.org.

Our Services to Armed Forces support Yellow Ribbon Events for our enlisted military members and their families with “Get to Know Us Before You Need Us” presentations to reintegration services and/or information booths.

• March 2, MI National Guard 1432nd Engineering Company, Kingsford, Michigan
• March 9, WI National Guard 372^nd Engineering Company, Milwaukee
• March 10, WI National Guard 1157th Engineering Company, Appleton
• March 21  WI State Warrior Summit Exhibitor, Milwaukee
• March 24 WI National Guard 121^st Field Artillery & 97^th Agri-Development Team, Elkhart Lake, WI

• Heroes Musicales are a collection of musicians giving of their talent with concerts in Wild Rose, WI (Saturday, April 20) All three concerts were sold-out last year so order tickets early.
• When filing Wisconsin State Taxes, this is the second year you can use the donation ‘check-off’ to give directly to American Red Cross disaster relief
• Dine for Disaster participants are being recruited! Eateries, of all types, are being recruited so we can all eat/drink and socialize at their locations on May 16th with a percentage of sales raised donated to local disaster relief.

Northeast WI Chapter

The American Red Cross of Northeast Wisconsin Chapter serves 20 counties, including two in Michigan, with a mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the Chapter at 920-231-3590 or visit redcross.org/newisconsin or via social media.