American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin

February 2012
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Dancing with the Stars Fundraiser Exceeds Expectations

Posted on February 24, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region

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.

Filed under: Fundraising, Donating | Tagged: American Red Cross, Festival Foods, Nicolet National Bank, Dancing with the Stars, Matt Smith, WIXX, Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, State Farm, Broadway Automotive, Kate Burgess, Tommy Fox, Brad Hutjens, Staci Kring, Tom Lemkuil, Dawn McCoy, Tricia Nell, Rebecca Schuld, Robert (Bob) Warpinski Jr, Schneider National Foundation, WBAY-TV2 | Leave a Comment »

From Red Cross Volunteer to Bride: A Love Story

Posted on February 13, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region

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?”

Filed under: Services to Armed Forces, Volunteers | Tagged: American Red Cross, Barbara Behling, Dick Nooe, Gray Lady, Sara Scotchell, Valentine's Day | Leave a Comment »

American Red Cross Unveils New Brand Identity

Posted on February 10, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region

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.

Filed under: Special Events | Tagged: American Red Cross, Branding, Button, History, Logo | Leave a Comment »

American Red Cross Announces Nurse Assistant Training

Posted on February 8, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region

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.

Filed under: Health and Safety | Tagged: American Red Cross, CNA, Nurse Assistant Training, Oshkosh | Leave a Comment »

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

Posted on February 4, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region

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

Filed under: Preparedness, youth | Tagged: American Red Cross, Learn to Swim | Leave a Comment »

Can You Put a Price on Lifesaving Training??

Posted on January 31, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region

Many people don’t see the value in First Aid/CPR/AED training. It may be the cost of the training, the effort it takes to keep the certification up-to-date or the thought that one would never have to use it. What if you came across an emergency that involved your family member, friend, coworker, neighbor or even yourself? Would that change your view on the importance of life-saving training?

If you’re not quite convinced, take a moment to read the story below about a 12 year-old grandson saving his grandfather’s life when he began choking. This is just one example of the importance of being trained.

Grandson Saves Choking Grandfather

Thursday, January 26, — When twelve-year-old Landon Tucker took American Red Cross training in First Aid and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), little did he know he would use that training to help his grandfather when he choked while eating breakfast.

Carl McGowan and his grandson were home alone recently, enjoying breakfast, when a piece of sausage became lodged in McGowan’s throat. His wife Martha and a neighbor, who happens to be a paramedic, were both at work.

McGowan knew his grandson had taken the Red Cross classes at school, and asked Tucker if he knew what to do. Tucker said he had been trained, but had never actually performed the skills on anyone.

“I told him now would be a good time to try it,” Carl said. “He was scared. He tried to help me and was successful after several tries.”

McGowan credits Tucker with saving his life and is thankful his grandson had access to Red Cross training. “Being trained is very important,” Carl said. “Landon saved me. I want to thank him for everything he did.”

The Red Cross has information available for download on how to help someone – adult, child or infant – who is choking, and how to perform back blows and abdominal thrusts.

The Red Cross also offers classes in First Aid, CPR and the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator), and recommends that at least one person in every household be trained. People can also take Red Cross babysitter and lifeguard training, learn how to swim, take training on first aid for use in wilderness and remote settings, sports safety training, even first aid for pets. Classes are available for individuals as well as for businesses and organizations.

According to a Red Cross survey, many have witnessed someone choking. One person in ten surveyed reported they needed help themselves because they had choked on something. Most often, 57 percent of the time, a family member came to their aid, while in 30 percent of the instances the people had to help themselves. The survey also revealed that most choking incidents occur at home, with a high percentage also occurring in a restaurant.

This year there’s still plenty of time to resolve to protect yourself and your loved ones by taking a Red Cross class. Landon Tucker and his grandfather understand the importance of First Aid training firsthand and now know what to do when an emergency occurs.

Filed under: Health and Safety | Tagged: American Red Cross, Carl McGowan, Choking, Landon Tucker, Training | Leave a Comment »

Stop On Out at the Super Bowl of Safety Today!!!

Posted on January 28, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region

Filed under: Preparedness | Tagged: American Red Cross, Bellin Health, Safe Kids Greater Green Bay, Superbowl of Safety | Leave a Comment »

Red Cross Prepares for a Different Kind of “Ice Bowl”

Posted on January 26, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region

No, that’s not a typo…We recently participated in a multi-faceted simulated disaster called Ice Bowl. It was aptly named as a fictional airliner crashed into our frigid, frozen water. The inaugural Mass Rescue Operations preparedness exercise was sponsored by Austin Straubel International Airport, Brown County Emergency Management, WI DNR and the US Coast Guard. This was such as collaborative and large-scale event, that this FAA-required disaster exercise, was held off airport grounds.

With any simulated disaster, our goal is to test our processes, give our disaster team hands-on experience, simulate mutual aid, identify gaps and learn how we would react – and improve upon our systems without the pressures of actual lives lost.

The role of Red Cross in any aviation accident is defined through a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Transportation Safety Board and the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 1996. These two documents provide the framework for our response. Just like a residential fire or tornado, various first responders, federal, state, county and local departments all play a role in response and recovery.

For nine months, Judy Gregory, Red Cross Emergency Services Director has spearheaded our Ice Bowl participation and more than 50 volunteers and staff were involved during the actual event!

Local responsibilities included:

Emergency Operations Center & Joint Information Office: This is the central hub of incoming information, disaster response and public information/media relations.

At the Crash Site: Mass care workers and a mental health professional were available along with the Emergency Response Vehicle and Mobile Operations Center so first responders had a respite, could re-hydrate with water, hot beverages and food.

Three Local Hospitals: Two hospital liaisons were available so tracking of survivors could be communicated to their immediate family members.

Austin Straubel Airport: As passenger’s family members gathered waiting for official airline up-dates, they would be supported by Mental Health professionals, Health Services, Caseworkers and Security.

Family Assistance Center: St. Mark’s Church hosted this central location as family members waited for news about their loved ones. As we received tracking information on passenger’s condition we shared that with the airline representatives. Together, with our Mental Health professionals they then met with actors posing as distraught family members.

Operations Management: This team provided guidance on the disaster on a whole and ensured the full support of Red Cross resources.

With any mass casualty event, the loss of life requires the best – and most – emotional support of any disaster. Therefore, we also included groups such as the county Mental Health Services, Public Health, Clergy Association and the Church of the Brethen so they are better prepared for the worst case scenario.

We’re so proud of our volunteers and staff who have trained, prepared and practiced skills that make our communities stronger!

Filed under: Disaster Services, Northeast WI Region, Preparedness | Tagged: American Red Cross, Austin Straubel International Airport, Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 1996, Brown County Emergency Management, Ice bowl, National Transportation Safety Board, US Coast Guard, WI DNR | Leave a Comment »

Tailgaiting for a Cause

Posted on January 24, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region

(l-r) Joe Hannon, Jody Weyers, Andy Kaye, Mauree Childress and Steve Hansen

“We are excited to say we doubled the funds raised from last year for the American Red Cross,” said Andy Kaye, Co-Owner, of Recoveron Restoration. “When we started the tailgates the main objective was to raise funds for American Red Cross and increase awareness of the needs of our community and we are excited to see it working,” said Kaye.

Andy, his staff and their friends and family put on a free tailgate party for the community at six home games this Packers season. Guests were treated to brat, burgers and refreshments for a donation to the Red Cross.

“I am so thankful to the Recoveron staff and their families to make this event even bigger this year to support the Red Cross financially and create an awareness of the needs,” said Kaye. “You can count on us to do it again next year.”

Filed under: Disaster Services, Fundraising | Tagged: American Red Cross, Fundraiser, Green Bay Packers, Recoveron Restoration Services, Tailgate Party | Leave a Comment »

The Winner of our Soup Ladle Trophy goes to………

Posted on January 20, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region

CSI Appleton for their White House Soup!!!!! Congratulations!

The American Red Cross of Northeast Wisconsin sincerely thanks all who supported this year’s Soup’s On event through their monetary donations, in-kind services and volunteer efforts.

Your support helps us to continue to provide valuable, lifesaving programs and services to our community!

Filed under: Fundraising, Northeast WI Region | Tagged: American Red Cross, CSI Appleton, Fundraiser, Soup's On, White House Soup | Leave a Comment »

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