DINE-OUT TO SUPPORT DISASTER RELIEF

Posted on May 15, 2013 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

Eastern Wisconsin Red Cross, Dine for Disaster Event Banner

Local Restaurants & Patrons Pair Taste-buds and Disaster Relief Together

Now in its sixth year, more than 100 participating eateries will participate in Dine for Disaster throughout Eastern Wisconsin, from the Illinois border, to Upper Peninsula Michigan communities. On Thursday, May 16, 2013, participants will donate a portion of sales to benefit their local American Red Cross disaster relief and community disaster prevention & education.

While the Red Cross responds to big disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes each year, the most frequent threat people face is a fire in their own home. In fact, Disaster Action Team workers respond to an emergency every nine minutes around the United States. Locally, it was nearly 500 last year!

Just this past weekend, it was seven fire calls!  Red Cross responders turn compassion into action. They form a dynamic team that is empowered to deal with crises throughout our communities. When a disaster strikes, we provide a place to sleep, warm meals, clothing, emotional support and hope. Through the support of our communities, we can offer individuals and families basic emergency needs to recovery guidance.

Dave Jones, Director of Operations for McDonald’s in Racine and Pat Beimborn, co-owner of Los Banditos in Green Bay are co-chairing Dine for Disaster 2013. Both have a personal reason for supporting the organization. WI.  “Many years ago, my family had an emergency.” Dave Jones continued, “The Red Cross was there for me when I needed it and now I will always try to be there to help the Red Cross when I can.” During college Beimborn started donating blood and was later on the volunteer Board of Directors. He had a front-row seat to the depth of commitment and passion the staff and volunteers have for the mission. “They set an example for the spirit of caring for others, most of whom they will never know, that is so much a part of the culture of this area. Whether it’s a fire, a blood drive or a natural disaster, Red Cross volunteers are always ready and willing to lend a helping hand. Those volunteers aren’t looking for recognition. They just seem to know that it’s the right thing to do and they’re glad to do it.”  Beimborn continued, “…and for local restaurants to recognize their commitment to the community is a natural fit.”

For the third year, Society Insurance is the corporate sponsor for Dine for Disaster. Their financial support provides promotional materials for the participants.

Check the website for a list of participating restaurants: www.redcross.org/dinefordisasterwisconsin

About Local Chapters:

The Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross serves eight counties with a goal to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the Chapter at 414-342-8680 or visit redcross.org/sewisconsin on the web, twitter.com/RedCrossSeWi and facebook.com/RedCross.SoutheastWI and our blog redcrosssewiblog.org.

The Northeast Wisconsin Chapter serves 20-counties throughout northeast Wisconsin and the Michigan boarder communities. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact your local office or the regional headquarters at 920-231-3590 or visit  http://www.redcross.org/newisconsin, on Facebook (American Red Cross – Northeast Wisconsin Region), Twitter (NEWRedCross) and our blog (newredcrossblog.org).

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A Simple Message of Thank You…….

Posted on May 13, 2013 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

By Lisa Stanchfield, Program Services Specialist

photo TY - no last name

Thursday, May 2 we responded to a fire that displaced 30 people in Fond du Lac.

On Friday, during the day we had about half of those people, adults and kids in our back room until we could work with the family on where we were putting them for the weekend.

We gave the children coloring books to use, I rented some movies, but one of the things they like was drawing on the dry erase board. I found the message that one of the children left on the dry erase board rather touching.

These are the moments I really appreciate working for such a great organization.

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1st National Bank “HERO” for local American Red Cross

Posted on May 7, 2013 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

By Vicki Jenks, American Red Cross Board Member and Volunteer

On Monday, April 29th, the local American Red Cross received a most generous $1,000 gift from 1st National Bank, presented by President, Tom Jensen.

Vicki Jenks, Joyce Petit, Thomas L. Jensen and Betsy

Pictured left to right along with Tom are:  Vicki P. Jenks, American Red Cross of Northeast Wisconsin Board Member, Joyce Petit, long-time Red Cross Disaster Action Team member, and Betsy Wandtke, Red Cross Major Gifts Officer.

Known well as a supportive community organization, 1st National Bank originally became involved with HEROES last year holding a Casual For a Cause Day with all donations assisting the local American Red Cross work in Green Lake and Waushara counties.  The expansion to official HERO ($1,000 donation) allows the Red Cross to further its work both in local disaster relief and also Service to the Armed Forces (SAF).

 “The community of Berlin is marvelously supportive in countless ways. As a relative newcomer to east central Wisconsin, every day holds a heartwarming story of the gigantic hearts of its altruistic, thoughtful citizens,” said Vicki P. Jenks, HEROES volunteer coordinator, Wild Rose.

Every 9 minutes in the US, an American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (D.A.T.) responds to some sort of disaster—the most common being RESIDENTIAL FIRES.  The local D.A.T. team springs immediately into action offering such things as temporary shelter, food, clothing, and bedding and linens.  Additionally, the Red Cross can replace prescription medications and vision wear lost in the fire.  Perhaps most importantly, however, is the INVALUABLE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT the team members provide.  Long after the initial disaster, the Red Cross continues its follow through.

Although Service to the Armed Forces (S.A.F.) has been an integral program to the Red Cross since 1905, it is new to HEROES this year.  The American Red Cross is the only entity in the world mandated by Congress to validate and relay emergency messages to military service member across the globe.  On average, 400 emergency messages are relayed daily.  Perhaps a service member is able to arrive home in time for a funeral of a family member due to the assistance of the Red Cross.   Additionally, Red Cross volunteers work in our two regional VA hospitals in Iron Mountain and Milwaukee.  Closer to home, volunteers assist distributing Holiday Mail for HEROES at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King.

 

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How to Prepare for Flooding

Posted on April 18, 2013 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.

You will likely hear weather forecasters use these terms when floods are predicted in your community:

  • Flood/Flash Flood Watch—Flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area.=
  • Flood/Flash Flood Warning—Flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

Click HERE to learn more about Flood Safety by checking out these safety tips.

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Girl Scouts donate blankets to Red Cross

Posted on April 15, 2013 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

Video provided by Nathan Phelps, Green Bay Press Gazette:

Click HERE to see video of story:

Girl Scout blanket donation: Girl Scouts with Troop 4202 in Green Bay donated tie-blankets to the American Red Cross in Green Bay Saturday for distribution to people in need, like fire victims.

Girl Scouts Troop 4202 members were on hand at Green Bay Fire Department Station 3 on Saturday to donated blankets to the American Red Cross.

The blankets are intended for distribution to people in need, such as people who have been displaced from their homes by fires.

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American Red Cross Urges Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather

Posted on April 15, 2013 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

Download free Tornado App to get ready for rain, strong winds and possible tornadoes

The American Red Cross is urging residents in Northeast Wisconsin to make sure households, schools and business are prepared for possible severe weather including rain, strong winds and possible tornados.

“Listen to weather alerts and designate a safe space where people can gather for the duration of the storm,” said Judy Gregory, Regional Manager, Disaster Services.  “The area should be a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows.”

Do this one simple step in being prepared - download one of the many Red Cross Apps to your phone!

Do this one simple step in being prepared – download one of the many Red Cross Apps to your phone!

Download Tornado App

The American Red Cross Tornado App is available in English or Spanish and gives iPhone, iPad and Android smart phone and tablet users instant access to local and real-time information, so they know what to do before, during and after a tornado.

The free app includes a high-pitched siren and “tornado warning!” alert that signals when a NOAA tornado warning has been issued. This feature allows users to make critical decisions and to take actions to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe even in the middle of the night. An “all clear!” alert lets users know when a tornado warning has expired or has been cancelled.

Other features of the app include:

  • Location-based NOAA tornado, severe thunderstorm and flood watch and warning alerts;
  • One touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that they are out of harm’s way;
  • Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity;
  • Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm; and
  • Locations of open Red Cross shelters.

“If a tornado is threatening your area, listen for alerts and warnings, grab your emergency preparedness kit and head to your designated safe area,” Gregory added. “Be prepared to evacuate if necessary.”

The Tornado App, along with other apps, can be found in the Apply App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps. People can go to redcross.org/tornado for more safety tips.

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Being Prepared and Ready to Roll

Posted on April 8, 2013 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

By Nick Cluppert, Disaster Services: Regional Manager, Training & Development

2013-03-159508_24_02_There’s a new resource that is in our region that will be a huge asset when there is a disaster affecting a large number of people with functional needs. Thanks to the J. J. Keller Foundation and other donors we now have a “functional needs” shelter trailer that is housed at the Oshkosh Red Cross Office and loaded up with 60+ functional needs and bariatric cots.

The new cots are easier for someone that may be in a wheelchair to transfer on to, has a back that can raise up if someone can’t lay flat and has rails to prevent someone from rolling off the cot. In addition to the cots that are in the new functional needs shelter trailer each shelter trailer throughout the Eastern Wisconsin Region has at least two functional needs cots in them so there is something that they can start with if there is a need for the functional needs cots in a shelter that is opened up. If there is a greater need then the functional needs shelter trailer can be mobilized to bring in that additional resource to support that shelter.

It is important for us to be prepared and ready to respond, and through donations we are now even more prepared to respond and assist individuals and families in need following a disaster.

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

Posted on March 19, 2013 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter
Waupaca HS S.A.D.D. Hats for HEROES 002

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 8th, 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 theresm”, 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.

HEROES - Jenks

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“Hats on for HEROES”

Posted on March 12, 2013 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

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. 

Chain O' Lakes 2013 029

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.   

Chain O' Lakes 2013 038

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

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

Posted on March 1, 2013 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

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 46th 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 372nd 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 121st Field Artillery & 97th 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.

Filed under: Disaster Services, Giving Blood, Health and Safety, Northeast WI Region, Preparedness | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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