Local Red Cross chapter holds annual meeting

On Tuesday, the American Red Cross Southeast Missouri Chapter recognized this year's community volunteers and partner organizations, and celebrated the lifesaving work done by the organization. The 95th annual meeting was held at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

The chapter named new members to the 2012-2013 board of directors. The board members are Kathy Bertrand, Charley Puls, Joel Neikirk, Jeff Long, Glenn Smallwood, Marcia Ritter, Debbie Gahan, Kathy Vickery, Kate Martin, Dr. James Schell, Shirlene Hecht, Chris Cole and Heather Collier. Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger performed the installation of new board members.

Holly Brantley and Bertrand recognized individuals for their distinguished service and gave awards. The 2011-2012 board of directors was recognized for achieving 100 percent participation in board giving. General partners and supporters were recognized, including all donors, emergency management directors, the Salvation Army, Southern Baptists, United Way of Southeast Missouri, the Missouri Foundation for Health, Love INC, the media, health and safety instructors, Community Organizations Active in Disaster and all disaster partners.

Two organizations received the 2011-2012 Community Partnership Award. KFVS12, which put together a "Heartland Cares" campaign March 7 to benefit areas such as Oak Ridge and Puxico that had extensive damage as a result of severe storms and several tornadoes Feb. 29, was given the first award. Also awarded for its partnership with the American Red Cross was Century 21, which donated two vacant office spaces for local disaster staff and volunteers during the spring 2012 flooding. Century 21 also coordinated the loaning of a warehouse with a dock to store donated supplies during the spring flooding.

Maurice Davis and Justin Owens of the Missouri Department of Mental Health received the Life-Saving Award for their emergency response to a patient who was choking.

Blood Services staff members Karen Ashby and Deb Amato were recognized for their work with the Red Cross.

Local organizations were also recognized for their financial support of the American Red Cross through the "Heroes for the American Red Cross" campaign. The United Way of Southeast Missouri, Missouri Foundation for Health, Modern Woodmen of America, Saint Francis Medical Center, MidAmerica Hotels, White Oak Grove Church, Bank of Missouri, SoutheastHEALTH, Infinity Recycling Centers, Evangelical United Church of Christ, Focus Bank, Ford and Sons, Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts, Ford Groves, Perfetti Van Melle USA and Unilever all received the award for donating or raising at least $1,000 for the American Red Cross.

Volunteers constitute 97 percent of the chapter's total workforce, according to information provided by the organization. Three hundred volunteers made the work of the chapter possible, contributing 5,262.5 hours for an estimated contribution of $114,669.88. The Red Cross responded to 206 local disasters and served 689 affected individuals with emergency food, shelter and supplies. A total of 3,628 people were trained by the chapter in disaster education. More than 10,800 individuals received training in CPR, first aid, AED and water safety by the chapter.

rovermann@semissourian.edu

573-388-3688

Pertinent address:

711 N. Clark, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701