Bluegrass Area Red Cross

Responding in the Time of Need

On April 29, 2011, an unprecedented number of powerful tornadoes ripped through the South, killing hundreds and leaving thousands homeless and seeking basic necessities such as shelter and food. Just weeks later, the waters of the Mississippi River crested and flooded nearby towns. And on May 22, a massive tornado tore a six-mile path of devastation through the city of Joplin, Missouri. In these times of need and deep anguish, thousands of Americans turned to the American Red Cross for shelter, food, supplies, comfort and hope.

Since April 1, the Red Cross has supported 33 large disaster relief operations affecting 22 states. This represents an unusually high number, especially before the official start of hurricane season, which runs from June through November. Within last few months in the U.S., the American Red Cross has

Opened 240 shelters and offered more than 22,000 overnight stays
Served nearly 2.4 million hot meals and snacks
Distributed more than 1.2 million relief items like toothbrushes and shampoo, coolers and cleaning supplies
Provided nearly 54,000 health and mental health consultations to help people cope during times of immense trauma

Locally, the Bluegrass Chapter has deployed fifteen volunteers throughout the U.S. disaster areas and has raised over $78,528.00 in financial support.

Over $63,000 Raised Locally for Southern Storm Relief

The Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross in cooperation with WDKY, WKYT, WLEX, WTVQ, and WYMT television stations and the LM Communications group of radio stations (107.9 The Beat, 96.9 Kiss FM, Sports Radio 1300, B92, Hank 96.1, and Your 106.3) hosted a phone bank recently raising $63,016 for Southern Storm Relief. On-line gifts received after the phone bank closed have now increased the donations to over $65,000.

“We were amazed by the generosity of so many people,” said Terry Burkhart, CEO of the Bluegrass Chapter. “When the day began we didn’t know what to anticipate. To say this exceeded our expectations would be an understatement.”

Dollars raised during the phone bank will be used to provide immediate disaster relief services to those who have been affected by the recent string of deadly weather. Red Cross services include providing temporary shelter, food, clothing, mental health counseling, and basic health care needs.

While the phone bank is now closed, those wishing to contribute to storm relief may call 859-253-1331 during normal business hours or 1-800-REDCROSS at any time. Individuals may also make a secure on-line gift by visiting www.redcrosslexky.org.

Local Volunteers Deploy to Assist in Disaster Recovery

On behalf of all of us, thank you to these volunteers for being a Red Cross Hero and for being the face of hope for the many families in need throughout the recent disaster areas.

Sandra Hall- Damage Assessment in AL

George Bruening- Bulk Distribution in AL

Don Cheatham- Bulk Distribution in AL

Roger Wright- Safe and Well Linking in AL

Sandra Wetmore- Safe and Well Linking in AL

Constance Jones- Sheltering and External Relations in MS

Kathy Hoff- Mass Care Feeding in AL

Dan Redding- Client Casework in AL

June Redding- Client Casework in AL

Priya Gaiha- Mass Care and Client Casework in Paducah, Health Services in Joplin

Karen Fuller- Mental Health Services in Paducah

Joe Whalen- Mental Health Services in AL

Craig Infanger –Bulk Distribution in Joplin

Janis Infanger- Bulk Distribution and Client Casework in Joplin

Scott Buck- Chaplain and Mental Health Services in Joplin

Click here to view photos from their deployment

"Walk'in in Memphis" Disaster Blaster Summer Fundraiser Set for July 22

Now in its 14th year the Disaster Blaster has grown tremendously and become a critical revenue stream in support of the local Red Cross. This event supports our mission of assisting the victims of disaster and helping our friends and neighbors in Bourbon, Casey, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Harrison, Jessamine, Nicholas, Powell, and Scott Counties prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

Click here for more party details.

Two Service to the Armed Forces Programs Scheduled for June

As the only Congressionally chartered organization tasked to assist our military and their families, the American Red Cross provides emergency messaging twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, the Bluegrass Chapter provides a variety of services for veterans, military personnel and their families. In keeping with the Red Cross mission statement, this department helps military personnel and their families prevent, prepare for, and respond to family problems related to service in the Armed Forces.

Below are links to two of our upcoming programs. We hope you can attend!

Coping with Deployments- June 18

(We are looking for at least three volunteers to help in the child care room the day of the event. We will have activities, snacks, movies, and other fun stuff for children. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Contact Susan if you are available. Thanks!)

Red Cross Military Families Connection Potluck- June 26

Upcoming Health and Safety Classes: Pet First Aid and New Babysitting Boot Camp

Pet First Aid

Learn how to care for your cat or dog this summer by taking a Pet First Aid course! This course combines lecture, discussion, video and skill practice to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to give care for their cat or dog in emergency situations. Some topics covered in this course include, but are not limited to: breathing, cardiac and environmental emergencies, sudden illnesses, bleeding, bites and stings, what is normal for your dog or cat, how to protect yourself and more.

Upcoming course dates include July 30^th and October 29^th. The course time is from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m., and the cost is $50 per person.

Babysitting Boot Camp

The Health and Safety Department is offering a new course for kids: Babysitting Boot Camp! This course includes certification in the following components upon successful completion of the course: Babysitter’s Training, Child and Infant CPR and First Aid. This course teaches participants how to be prepared for emergencies that involve a child or infant. Participants will learn how to protect themselves while babysitting, as well as a variety of different skills, including CPR, First Aid, diapering, feeding, safe play, ages and stages, professionalism, ways to make a decision, and lots more.

The camp will take place on July 16th and 17th, 9 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. each day and the cost is $110 per person.

To register for either class, click here or call 859-253-1331.

Volunteer News and Updates

April Volunteer Drawing: The winner is Priya Gaiha. Priya is a disaster volunteer who has put in quite a few hours lately helping with our phone bank, assisting the development department, and deploying to Paducah to help disaster victims. Priya wins a gift card to Starbucks!

May Volunteer Drawing: The winner is Constance Jones. Constance is also a disaster volunteer who has put in quite a few hours lately helping with our phone bank, and deploying to Mississippi to help disaster victims. Constance's prize is a gift card to Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt!

Over $18,000 Raised During the Bluegrass Community Walk for
Tsunami Relief

What a great weekend! With the help of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, the Lexington Mayor's Office, LFUCG Parks and Recreation, MSI Productions, and Moon Portables the Bluegrass Chapter raised $18,752 for Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief on Saturday, March 26. Concerned citizens in the Bluegrass Region wishing to show their support for the victims of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear plant damage in Japan bravely withstood the colder air to participate in the Bluegrass Community Walk for Tsunami Relief. Donations were accepted and Toyota Motor Manufacturing matched all employee contributions.

Officials from Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky in Georgetown suggested the idea of hosting a community-wide event to the Bluegrass Chapter. “Both the Red Cross offices and the Toyota offices have been inundated with calls from people asking how they can help those who have been affected by this terrible disaster,” said Terry Burkhart, CEO of the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross. “We are extremely grateful for Toyota and their support of this event, and we are delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to the community.”

Click Here to Read More

Congressman Ben Chandler Participates in Gabrielle Giffords Honorary
Save-a-Life Saturday

The Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross welcomed over 110 individuals, including Central Kentucky Congressman Ben Chandler, his son Albert, and members of Chandler’s staff to the Gabrielle Giffords Honorary Save-a-Life Saturday on March 19. Red Cross chapters across the country held classes at more than 100 locations to honor Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and all those involved in the Tucson tragedy.

"Although my children are certified in CPR, this is the first time I have taken a course like this," Chandler said. "First aid training saved my friend Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' life, and I hope Save-a-Life Saturday will save even more lives throughout the country."

Click Here to Read More

Heroes Celebration To Be Held April 20

The Celebration Event for the 4th Annual Red Cross Heroes Campaign presented by Walmart and chaired by Coach Joker and Dr. Leslie Phillips will be held at 7 p.m. on April 20 at the Griffin Gate Marriott.

The campaign is a community awareness and fundraising initiative that serves to strengthen our local Red Cross Chapter, and to recognize community heroes. Each fundraising captain commits to raising a minimum amount in support of the chapter.

Individuals or organizations that donated or collectively raised a minimum of $1,000 was eligible to nominate a volunteer who has made a significant, positive contribution in Fayette County. All nominees will receive a certificate at the upcoming event.

Click Here to Read More

2011 Great Central U.S. “Shake Out”

On April 28, 2011 at 10:15 a.m. Kentuckians and our Central U.S. neighbors, from all walks of life including businesses and governments, are encouraged to participate in the "2011 Great Central U.S. Shake Out". The Shake Out is an opportunity to practice the "Drop, Cover, Hold On" earthquake drill, promote awareness, and to educate and prepare ourselves for the risks and possibilities of earthquakes.

To register as a participant, access useful resources and links or obtain more information, click here.

Wilderness and Remote First Aid Course to be Offered in April and May

Train for backcountry emergency response! Sixteen hours of intense classroom and outdoor skills training prepares the student to respond to scenarios likely in situations where help is delayed. This advanced training is perfect for hikers, backpackers, paddlers, climbers, rescue crews, scouting leaders, older scouts, and forest rangers!

This certification is approved by the Boy Scouts of America & the American Camp Association when access to EMS is more than one hour away.

Click Here to Read More

Volunteer News and Updates

February Volunteer Drawing: The winner is Don Cheatham. Don is a disaster volunteer who lives in London and volunteers for our chapter and the Southeast Chapter. Don drives our ERV and even helps out in parades! Don wins a Shell Gas gift card.

March Volunteer Drawing: The winner is Joe Whalen. Joe is a disaster volunteer who has helped out recently for our Save-a-Life Saturday and braved the cold and windy weather to volunteer at the Walk for Tsunami Relief. Joe’s prize is a gift card to Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt!

DSHR Availability Update Winners: Kathy Hoff and Sandra Hall!

April Volunteer Drawing: April’s drawing will be for a gift certificate to Starbucks.

DAT Meeting: 6pm on Monday, April 11th

Disabilities Expo at Rupp Arena: Volunteers are still needed to help work the Red Cross booth on Friday, April 21.

Disaster Volunteer Call-Down: There will not be one in April. We will be holding it in May in conjuction with the National Level Exercise on Monday, May 16th.

The 2011 Fayette County Heroes Campaign

The 4th Annual Red Cross Heroes Campaign is a community awareness and fundraising initiative that strengthens our local Red Cross Chapter and recognizes community heroes.

The need for the critical services of the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross continues to grow...

Click Here to Read More

Red Cross Asks People to Join During Red Cross Month

March is Red Cross Month, and the American Red Cross is asking people to join them in helping those in need by volunteering their time, making a donation, or taking a class.

“When someone provides a hot meal to a disaster victim, takes a first aid class, or helps someone in the military, they join the Red Cross,” said Bluegrass Chapter Director of Development Winn Stephens. “We want to say ‘thank you’ to all who support us. That support enables us to provide help and hope to those who need our assistance.”

Click Here to Read More

Red Cross Governance Day Held in Frankfort

On February 8, four Bluegrass Chapter volunteers joined other volunteers from across the state in Frankfort for Red Cross Governance Day.

Click Here to Read More

Support Local Charities and Explore Your City at 50-90% Off

Pete's Deals negotiates huge discounts on popular local goods, services and cultural events. Then they offer the deals to thousands of subscribers in a free daily email. The deals are only activated when a minimum number of people agree to buy. So subscribers get a great deal and the business gets a ton of new customers. Win-win.

Click Here to Read More

Terry Clark Wins January Volunteer Drawing

January Volunteer drawing winner for a $25 gift certificate to Saul Good was Terry Clark!

Click Here to Read More

Older Stories

1/19/2011

Soup/ Chili Cook-Off Set to Stir Up Some Fun at the Feb. DAT Meeting

1/19/2011

December Volunteer Contest Winner Announced

1/19/2011

Upcoming Disaster Services Classes

1/19/2011