Greater Houston Area Red Cross

Red Cross Provides Support for Myanmar Relief Efforts

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:00:00 GMT

AMERICAN RED CROSS PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR MYANMAR RELIEF EFFORTS Click here to download Houston News Release Houston Texas (May 9, 2008) -The Greater Houston Area Red Cross is receiving emails and phone calls from local residents wanting to help the victims of the devastating Myanmar cyclone. The American Red Cross works hand-in-hand with a global network of 186 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies around the world. as well as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Before the storm hit, the Myanmar Red Cross stocked it warehouses with supplies. As many as 27,000 Myanmar Red Cross volunteers are distributing these supplies and manning emergency shelters. The initial American Red Cross response is to support the Myanmar Red Cross by mobilizing relief supplies from a pre-stocked warehouse in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The American Red Cross has pledged aid and supplies estimated at...

9-May-08 1:00 PM

Response to the Myanmar Cyclone

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Visit www.redcross.org to read more Overview On May 2, 2008, high winds, heavy rain and flood water claimed thousands of lives and damaged hundreds of thousands of homes in southwestern Myanmar. According to state media reports, the death toll may reach 22,000 as a result of Cyclone Nargis; as many as 10,000 may have died in just one town. Early estimates indicate the storm destroyed 95 percent of homes in low-lying delta regions and impacted a total of one million people nationwide. The storm also compromised the water and fuel supplies, caused widespread power and telecommunication outages and wiped out vital crops, compounding the existing problem of food shortages. Cyclone Nargis is the worst storm to hit Asia since 1991 when 143,000 people died Bangladesh and the worst to hit Myanmar since 1926 when 2,700 people were killed. The greatest priorities for the Red Cross and its humanitarian partners at this stage of the emergency response are providing shelter and access to...

7-May-08 3:00 PM

American Red Cross stands ready to aid cyclone survivors in Myanmar

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Tue, 06 May 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Click Here to Download News Release American Red Cross stands ready to aid cyclone survivors in Myanmar Editors Note: Spokespeople are available to provide the media with reports and interviews about the Red Cross response. For more information, contact Michael Oko at 202-303-5551 or 202-316-4399. National Headquarters 2025 E Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20006 www.redcross.org Contact:...

6-May-08 11:00 AM

Annual Shelter Rally to Kickoff Hurricane Season

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Thu, 01 May 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Click here to download .PDF Invitation Shelter Rally to Kickoff Hurricane Season Houston, Texas – Thursday, May 29, 2008 – Houston Area Red Cross Disaster Services is hosting its annual Shelter Rally for churches and other facilities in the Houston area. Rally starts at 7 p.m. at the Greater Houston Area Red Cross Headquarters, 2700 Southwest Freeway in Houston. The Red Cross is inviting representatives from all churches and facilities to participate in the event. It is hoped the Shelter Rally will encourage everyone to serve as a Red Cross Disaster Relief Shelter. At the Rally, Red Cross representatives will provide basic information about the Red Cross Disaster Relief Shelter Program and share with everyone who attends how they can become a registered shelter for the American Red Cross during a disaster. To date, Houston Red Cross has over 160 registered shelters in its program.. Hurricane season begins June 1st. The Shelter Rally presentations will include updates on...

1-May-08 3:00 PM

Save The Date --Everyday Heroes 2008

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:00:00 GMT

29-Apr-08 10:00 AM

Red Cross Round Up/Elmo Delasbour Awards Dinner

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:00:00 GMT

RED CROSS ROUND UP/ELMO DELASBOUR AWARDS DINNER Southeast Branch office WHAT: 9th Annual Fundraiser Red Cross Round Up and Elmo Delasbour Humanitarian Awards Dinner featuring a barbecue dinner, music, entertainment and community fellowship for all. WHEN: April 25, 2008 – 7:00 pm WHERE: Lilly Grove Baptist Church Wendell Life Center 3505 Alice Street, HoustonTexas77021 WHY: Proceeds benefit the Red Cross Southeast branch office which services Sunnyside, Third Ward, Hiram Clarke, SouthPark, McGregorPark and other Southeast Houston neighborhoods. Call 713-738-3941 for ticket information. COST: $ 25.00 ###

21-Apr-08 9:00 AM

Mission: Malaria Fight the Bite

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Equatorial Guinea:

Equatorial Guinea is a small country located on the western coast of Central Africa. The area was first settled in the 15th century, later becoming a Spanish colony and remains the only Spanish speaking country in Africa. The economy was historically based on cocoa production as well as subsistence farming and fishing until the 1990's discovery of oil and gas off the Island of Bioko. Despite the rapid development which ensured; the country remains crippled by year round malaria exacerbated by their tropical climate and weak health infrastructure.

The effects of malaria cannot be overstated; in Africa alone the disease causes over one million deaths a year, 90% of which are children under the age of 5. This death toll is accompanied by a massive economic burden accounting for 1.3% of African GDP and to 25% of families net income.

But mararia can be stopped and you can help. Join us and our presenting sponsor Marathon Oil Corporation.

Student tickets - $30.00

Table for 8 - $3,000.00

For more details on this event, please contact Kim Kutach @ 713-313-1683.

Friday April 25, 2008 from 6 pm to 11.30 pm

Marathon Oil Tower

5555 San Felipe

10th Floor, Conference Service Center

Purchase Tickets

17-Apr-08 1:00 PM

National Red Cross Names New President

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Business Leader, Nonprofit Volunteer to Head the American Red Cross National Headquarters 2025 E Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20006 www.redcross.org Contact: Suzy DeFrancis Title: Chief Public Affairs Officer FOR MEDIA ONLY Phone: (202) 303-5551 Click here to download News Release WASHINGTON, Tuesday, April 08, 2008 — Gail J. McGovern, a successful business executive and proven nonprofit fundraiser, was today named President...

16-Apr-08 9:00 AM

Three Area Fires Keep Red Cross Disaster Workers & Volunteers Busy

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Click Here To Download News Release THREE FIRES KEEP RED CROSS DISASTER WORKERS & VOLUNTEERS BUSY April 14, 2008 - 11:30 AM Since Friday evening, trained Red Cross Disaster Volunteers and Staff have responded to three area apartment fires. Friday’s fire was in the Pasadena area, Saturday’s fire, Southwest area of Houston and this morning’s fire, Southeast area of Houston where Red Cross volunteers are still on the scene. Friday, April 11th, Red Cross Pasadena Area Branch office set up a shelter at Lorenzo De Zavala Elementary School to help those affected by the 100 Unit Apartment fire at Compton Court Apartments in the 400 Block of Richey in Pasadena. Apartment management was able to relocate most families into other apartments on site so the Red Cross Shelter was closed Saturday afternoon. Caseworkers and staff were able to help more than 19 families by providing them with financial assistance. Red Cross also provided door-to-door outreach on Sunday afternoon from...

14-Apr-08 11:00 AM

Planned Giving by Jim Phillips

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Click Here to Print Out Article Planned Giving - From Jim Phillips, Red Cross Chapter Board Member Reading about Warren Buffet’s commitment to give away the majority of his enormous estate (some $42 billion) got me to thinking. Who of us can relate to this amount, but it is simply a number with a long line of zeros. What about the numbers with fewer zeros…$420,000,000, $42,000,000, $4,200,000, $420,000, $42,000 and even $4200. All of these amounts are important and sizeable to the individuals who were able to amass and hold on to the principal sum at the end of their lives, thus creating an estate. I think Mr. Buffet has it right, see to your children’s basic schooling and other needs, then give what is left to charity. This charity might be a religious organization, educational institution or a service agency like the American Red Cross. The specific amount of any bequest is not as important as the act of giving itself. A bequest from one’s estate has a much larger...

4-Apr-08 11:00 AM

City on the Bayou: Houston's History through Floods Exhibition

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Click here to dowload media advisory FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2008 MEDIA ALERT PHOTO OP WHO: The John C. Freeman Weather Museum WHAT: Premiere of its new exhibition, City on the Bayou: Houston’s History through Floods to mark National Flood Awareness Week. WHEN: Friday, March 14, 2008, Press conference at 10 a.m. followed by media reception. WHERE: American Red Cross Bldg, located at 2700 Southwest Freeway (near BuffaloSpeedway exit) WHY: The JohnC.FreemanWeatherMuseum, the nation’s first and only museum of its kind, will open its new exhibition, City on the Bayou: Houston’s History through Floods, to mark National Flood Awareness Week at a press conference to be held at 10 a.m., followed by a media reception. This exhibition, organized by The John C. Freeman Weather Museum, is made possible with a grant from the Houston Arts Alliance and with sponsorship from Weatherford. The exhibition features vintage photographs of past historic Houston floods from the...

26-Mar-08 8:00 AM

American Red Cross SUPER BALL VII Success!

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:00:00 GMT

The American Red Cross Southwestern Branch Office held SUPER BALLVII at Safari Texas Ranch on January 26, 2008. The event raised $106,000.00 to support service delivery for the local office area. The event was chaired by Don Dulin, Edie Speer and Lisa Regan. They, along with a great team of volunteers, committed countless hours of time to make the event successful.

21-Mar-08 2:00 PM

Red Cross Assists Families Affected by Tomball area Apartment Fire

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Red Cross Opens Shelter to Help Fire Victims
Red Cross Assists Families Affected by Tomball area Apartment Fire

The Greater Houston Area Red Cross opened a shelter to help families displaced from their homes by fire at the Cobble Creek Apartments in Tomball. The Red Cross Shelter located at ChristBridge Fellowship Church, 29510 Tomball Parkway in Tomball opened this morning and is available for the families forced from their homes because of the fire.

So far Red Cross volunteers assisted seven families with emergency disaster relief in the form of a Red Cross Debit Card with which the families my use to purchase needed items such as food and clothing. Preliminary Red Cross damage assessment figures show 32 units affected by the fire including 16 that are totally destroyed.

Buses are transporting those affected by the fire to the Red Cross Shelter. At the Shelter Red Cross Family Services workers continue to meet one-on-one with displaced residents to assess with their immediate disaster-caused needs. These needs may include basics such as shelter, food and clothing, but may also include special needs such as prescription medications. Those residents affected by the fire that are in need of Red Cross assistance are encouraged to call Red Cross Disaster Services at 1 866 526 8300. All Red Cross Disaster Assistance is Free.

26-Feb-08 11:00 AM

Preparedness on the Square

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Click Here to download Flyer Click Here to Download News Release RED CROSS OFFERS DOWNTOWN WORKERS A LUNCH HOUR FILLED WITH MUSIC, FOOD, GAMES…AND PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION WHAT: Downtown workers can spend their lunch time getting prepared for emergencies,watching kayak races, eating, listening to music and playing games. Red Cross Disaster Services will teach people how to create a Disaster Supplies Kit and an Emergency Plan. There will be First Aid and CPR demonstrations. Kayaks, to promote Red Cross Boating Safety, will be skimming the Reflection Pond as people play ‘Ring Toss’ along the edge. People can shoot basketball hoops to win Red Cross prizes or buy Red Cross merchandise at the on-site store. Last year’s biggest sellers were the Pet First Aid Kit and Book. There will be a variety of food vendors to sample by purchasing a $5 wristband. Music and booths provided by Sunny 99.1 and Mega 101. KTRH Radio 740 AM will also have...

25-Feb-08 2:00 PM

Houston's Presidential Sculputor Welcomes Red Cross Donors

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:00:00 GMT

February 2008 Click here to download newsrelease HOUSTON’S PRESIDENTIAL SCULPTOR WELCOMES RED CROSS DONORS TO AN EVENING AT HIS STUDIO Houston, Texas – Presidential Sculptor and Artist David Adickes has graciously agreed to create a memorable evening for major Red Cross donors by making himself and his studio available to them. Mr. Adickes will be the keynote speaker at a reception for major donors of the Greater Houston Area Chapter of the American Red Cross and dignitaries. Mr. Adickes, a Texan and Sam Houston State graduate, is an internationally renowned sculptor and painter. Inspired by Mount Rushmore, he created 43 huge Presidential busts, which populate The President’s Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Closer to home, his 67-foot tall Sam Houston sculpture, off Interstate 45 in Huntsville, is known as the World’s Tallest State of an American Hero. Mr. Adickes’ eight-foot bronze statue of President George H. Bush greets...

19-Feb-08 1:00 PM

Houston Red Cross Responds to Victims Affected by Tornadoes

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Houston Red Cross Responds To Victims Affected By Tornadoes Houston, Texas (February 6, 2008) – The Greater Houston Area Chapter of the Red Cross is sending its Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV) to support the Red Cross relief operation in Russellville, Arkansas. Four experienced disaster relief volunteers will be driving the ERVs to Arkansas. The ERVs will be used to help distribute food and water to people who have been affected by the tornadoes, emergency responders and volunteers. The vehicles will be leaving at approximately 4:30 pm today and 7:30 am tomorrow from the Houston Red Cross Chapter. AllAmerican Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the California wildfires, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter,...

6-Feb-08 8:00 AM

Red Cross Assist Famiiles at Early Morning Fire

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:00:00 GMT

RED CROSS ASSIST FAMILIES AT EARLY MORNING FIRE

Houston, Texas (February 4, 2008) - Trained Red Cross Disaster Volunteers and Staff from the Pasadena Area Red Cross are currently on the scene to a 32 unit apartment fire which happened early this morning.

This morning’s 2:00 AM fire at the Arlington Place Apartments,, 116 E. Edgebrook, Houston, Texas 77034.

To date, 8 units have been destroyed. Red Cross has not been granted access to the remaining 24 units due to heavy smoke and water damage. Apartment management is looking to relocate families affected by the fire and Red Cross will provide assistance to help the families with their immediate needs such as food, bedding and clothing.

Red Cross financial assistance is for disaster-caused, emergency needs such as shelter, food, bedding, clothing or medicine. It is short-term assistance to help people immediately following a disaster. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by generous donations of time and money from greater Houston Area residents.

4-Feb-08 8:00 AM

2007 -American Red Cross Looking Back, Images of Hope and Help

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:00:00 GMT

As we end the year 2007, visit the slideshow below to see how the American Red Cross captured their accomplishments through photos.

Images of Hope and Help

12-Dec-07 2:00 PM

Red Cross Continues Assistance to Families Affected by Mid-Rise Apt Fires

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 22:00:00 GMT

Red Cross Continues Assistance to Families Affected by Mid-Rise Apartment Fire The Greater Houston Area Red Cross is helping many of the nearly 200 Houston Housing Authority residents affected by yesterday’s mid-rise fire located at 7225 Bellerive Drive in southwest Houston. Currently some 20 trained Red Cross volunteers and disaster workers are providing health services, mental health services and financial assistance to those affected by the fire. In addition, Red Cross caseworkers are meeting one-on-one with displaced residents to assess their immediate disaster-caused needs. These needs include the basics –primarily clothing and shoes, but may also include special needs such as prescription medications. As of 3:30 pm today, Red Cross volunteer caseworkers had provided Red Cross disaster assistance debit cards to 55 individuals/families. The disaster victims are able to use the debit cards to purchase needed items such as clothes and shoes in the right size, color and fit, at...

27-Nov-07 4:00 PM

Red Cross Responds to Two Local Fires

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 18:00:00 GMT

(Houston, Texas)- November 26, 2007- Trained Red Cross Disaster Volunteers and Staff from the Greater Houston Area Chapter this afternoon are at the scene of two fires: a condominium complex & an assisted living center high rise building. Red Cross responded to an early morning fire at the WisteriaGardens complex located at 611 N Dairy Ashford StHouston, TX77079. Although the entire unit was completely engulfed in flames, only eight families were living in the building. Seven Red Cross trained disaster action team members and one Red Cross staff person were at the scene at approximately 3:30 AM this morning interviewing residents. After damage assessment was completed, Red Cross was able to help four of the five families with their immediate basic needs such as: food, clothing, bedding and comfort kits. Red Cross is waiting to hear from the other families to determine their needs. The Red Cross is also responding to the large high-rise fire located at 7225 Bellerive Drive,...

26-Nov-07 12:00 PM

$500,000 Pledged for Flood Relief in Mexico

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:00:00 GMT

$500,000 Pledged for Flood Relief in Mexico

Mark W. Everson will tour the affected region by helicopter to get a first-hand look at the devastation and relief efforts

By Susannah Cernojevich, National Headquarters, American Red Cross

Thursday, November 08, 2007 — The American Red Cross is responding to the severe flooding in Southern Mexico by providing $500,000 in financial assistance and supplies, and the organization's president, Mark W. Everson, will visit the affected area tomorrow to get a first-hand look at the devastation.

More than 70 percent of the state of Tabasco in Southern Mexico remains flooded, and the waters are not expected to recede for another 2-3 weeks. The flooding, which has affected more than one million people, resulted from unusually heavy rains that caused rivers to overflow their banks.

In addition to the $500,000 donation, the American Red Cross has deployed an international relief worker, Winnie Romeril, and is still weighing other response options.

The American Red Cross and the Mexican Red Cross have a rich history of helping each other during times of disaster. Just last month, the Mexican Red Cross sent 10 workers to Southern California to assist the American Red Cross in reaching out to the Spanish-speaking community.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

9-Nov-07 3:00 PM

THREE FIRES KEEP HOUSTON AREA RED CROSS DISASTER WORKERS BUSY

noemail@houstonredcross.org — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:00:00 GMT

(Houston, Texas) -November 8, 2007 - Trained Red Cross Disaster Volunteers and Staff from the Greater Houston Area Chapter this afternoon are at the scene of three fires: two apartment fires and one single-family home fire.

Wednesday night at Raghu Apartments on 8655 Pitner, Houston 77080 destroyed four units and damaged two. The Red Cross was asked Thursday to help these families. A Disaster staff member and trained volunteer are at the complex interviewing residents to determine what assistance they need.

Thursday morning’s fire at the Gables of Inwood Apartments, 5600 Holy View, Houston 77091, destroyed or damaged 16 apartments, though four were vacant. Red Cross staff and volunteers are at the complex this afternoon interviewing residents. It’s believed 11 families, or about 36 people, will need assistance.

A Red Cross volunteer is at a single-family home fire this afternoon at 9149 Woodland, Houston, 77078. It’s not known at this time, how many people will need assistance.

assistance is free, made possible by generous donations of time and money from greater Houston Area residents.

9-Nov-07 8:00 AM

American Red Cross Files Response to J&J Lawsuit

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 22:00:00 GMT

American Red Cross Files Response to J&J Lawsuit Sets the Record Straight on Use of the Red Cross Emblem: Raises Counterclaims, Requests Dismissal of Certain Claims National Headquarters 2025 E Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20006 www.redcross.org Contact: Carrie Martin Phone: (202) 303-4459 WASHINGTON, Thursday, September 20, 2007 — In its legal response to Johnson & Johnsons (J&J) recent lawsuit, the American Red Cross said today that Congress and the Federal government have long recognized the right of the charity to use the Red Cross emblem on products sold to support its mission. It requested a dismissal of several counts on legal grounds. In addition, the Red Cross filed counterclaims to the...

20-Sep-07 5:00 PM