Tiffany Circle: Following the Lead of so Many Great Women Before Them.

Posted on April 24, 2013 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

By Sherry Holmes, Tiffany Circle Director

SONY DSCFounding member of the Northeast Wisconsin Tiffany Circle chapter, Aymee Balison, held a reception at her home on Monday, April 15, to announce the 2013-14 project for the Wisconsin Tiffany Circle Chapters and to introduce Tiffany Circle to women leaders in the Green Bay area.

Tiffany Circle is a society of women leaders and philanthropists. These women follow in the footsteps of a long line of women leaders who have helped the Red Cross serve the American public in times of war and peace with disaster assistance, blood collection, safety training and countless other community assistance services. The Northeast Wisconsin Tiffany Circle Chapter is in its inaugural year.

To support Blood Services, the Eastern Wisconsin Tiffany Circle members are committing to raise funds to purchase a new Sprinter vehicle.  This vehicle will provide more opportunities for businesses, schools and organizations who want to sponsor blood drives at their location. For more information on Tiffany Circle, contact Sherry Holmes, 920-922-3450 or sherry.holmes@redcross.org.

Photo by: Women Magazine

To learn more about Aymee – Read her article in the latest addition of Women Magazine!

As a business owner and mother to four lovely daughters, Aymee Balison already has her hands full. But, Balison’s home and work juggle hasn’t stop her from getting deeply involved in area charities and maintaining the strong friendships she’s developed the last 15 years in Green Bay.

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The Power of a Blood Donation: Greg Honeywell

Posted on March 22, 2013 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

Greg_HoneywellGreg Honeywell has collected several fond memories during his 30-year tenure as a pilot. Among them are playing cards with musician John Denver and flying former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole and his wife and former American Red Cross president, Elizabeth Dole.

But when he flew above the destruction that tornadoes had left behind in Greensburg, Kan., in 2007, Greg saw something he’ll always remember — a long line of Red Crossmarked vehicles heading to the devastating scene.

“The Red Cross vehicles were actually on site before the National Guard vehicles,” he said. “I was so impressed by the immediate action of the disaster services team and eventually had to get involved with this organization.”

Greg, a senior loan officer and avid golfer, began volunteering as a blood drive coordinator with the Red Cross in the fall of 2010. Closely involved with the Better Business Bureau and serving as the membership director of his local chamber of commerce, he has developed many professional ties in his community and has inadvertently sparked business ventures through his Red Cross volunteerism.

“I’m talking to at least a dozen business people every day,” he said. “When anyone mentions volunteerism or wanting to get involved somehow, I’m there to say, ‘Donate blood.’” Greg helps coordinate several blood drives every year and is currently working closely with local businesses to ensure employees are given an hour to donate blood on days when the Red Cross is in town. Additionally, Greg said the online scheduling system has enhanced his recruitment efforts and overall experience as a volunteer.

“I never want to get paid for something like this,” he said. “I get all the reward I need when I see people leaving that feel like they’ve done something to make a difference. It’s that warm and fuzzy feeling.”

 

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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.

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Celebrate National Blood Donor Month.

Posted on January 14, 2013 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

This January, we celebrate our loyal blood and platelet donors during National Blood Donor Month. We couldn’t carry out our lifesaving mission without you.

More than 21,000 times each day, someone receives blood products from an AmericanRed Cross donor. Your donations are greatly needed and can help save lives.

While you will likely never know the lives you touch when you donate, be proud of your amazing efforts and know they are truly appreciated!

For more information or to find a blood drive near you go to: http://www.redcrossblood.org/

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Kingsford, MI Blood Drive December 18

Posted on December 17, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

The American Red Cross is very proud to be able to feature and honor Mr. Maynard Buehler.  Maynard has given 14 gallons of blood so far and could have helped up to 42 people with his donations.  Every day, patients across the nation rely on blood donated through the American Red Cross.  The blood you donate could be used to help cancer patients, accident victims, organ transplant recipients, premature babies and many others.

Please consider giving a priceless gift this holiday season; the gift of life.

The need is constant, the gratification is instant…give blood.

The next American Red Cross blood drive will be Tuesday, December 18th from 11:30 am until 5:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, Michigan.

You can make a reservation by calling Greg Honeywell at 906-828-9207, 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.  Or simply visit the blood drive on December 18th and donate.

The American Red Cross is also pleased to have Catie Schultz, the new owner at Michael’s Fine Jewelry sponsoring the blood drive.

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96-year-old Baudhuin stays young through volunteer work

Posted on December 16, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter
Written by Patti Zarling  Press-Gazette Media

One of the big changes Blanche Baudhuin experienced as a volunteer with Red Cross was moving to a computerized system. ‘I never owned a computer, I was afraid,’ Baudhuin said. ‘They showed me a simple way.’ / Lukas Keapproth/Press-Gazette Media

Blanche Baudhuin wore a cheerful red and white Christmas sweater and matching red shoes recently to greet blood donors at the local Red Cross on Deckner Avenue.Many regular donors recognize the smiling 96-year-old as she takes their name and types their information into “Susie” the computer. After all, she’s been a volunteer for the Northeastern Wisconsin chapter of the American Red Cross for about 36 years.

“I just love it,” Baudhuin said. “I hate to think of the day I can’t volunteer anymore.”

She said the gig keeps her young at heart. She used to be a driver for the nonprofit’s transportation services, but now she helps out at the front desk, sometimes answering phones, but mostly checking in donors.

She started volunteering after her husband died.

“I had to do something to keep busy,” Baudhuin said. “Before I came here, I also helped with the free Thanksgiving dinners for people and made quilts for the needy.”

Baudhuin said she likes volunteering for the Red Cross.

“I enjoy meeting the people,” she said. “Most of the people who come in know me because I’ve been here so long. When they come in, they kid with me.”

One of the big changes she experienced was moving to a computerized system.

“I never owned a computer, I was afraid,” Baudhuin said. “They showed me a simple way. I’m too old, can’t run it. We named her Susie.”

Although she no longer drives for the Red Cross, she still occasionally volunteers off sight, by helping at locations such as Green Bay City Hall, during blood collections.

Everyone she works with at the Red Cross is nice, she said.

“I like the people,” she said. “They’re friendly, and nice to get along with.”

Baudhuin grew up in Algoma and move to Green Bay in 1940. She likes to crochet and play cards when she’s not volunteering. She turns 97 in March.

She thinks more seniors should consider helping others.

“Instead of sitting home and feeling sorry for yourselves, get out and volunteer,” she said. “That’s how I feel about it.”

The Red Cross appreciates her efforts.

“She’s an absolute joy,” said Jody Weyers, regional volunteer and communications director for the local Red Cross. “I think it goes to show volunteering definitely keeps you young at heart. If you’re thing is sitting at home and thinking about ailments, it’s better to get out and keep busy.”

Blanche Baudhuin, 96, helps Jerry Vander Heiden check in to donate blood at the Lakeland Red Cross on Deckner Avenue. / Lukas Keapproth/Press-Gazette Media

Larry Guyette has known Baudhuin for more than a decade and drives her home after she volunteers at the center.

“She has such energy and enthusiasm,” he said. “She gets upset if she can’t make it here. It’s something that’s really important to her, and I thinks she sets a good example for all of us.”

— pzarling@greenbaypressgazette or follow her on Twitter @PGPattiZarling

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Lambeau Field blood drive collects 328 pints

Posted on November 15, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter
Written b Charles Davis  Press-Gazette

Sarah Kerbel, with her 5 month old son, Efrem.

Sarah Kerbel has never donated blood but is thankful others did.

That’s because during her first pregnancy she developed HELLP syndrome, a life-threatening condition that impacts pregnant women, usually during the third trimester. Kerbel required two units of platelets after her son was born eight weeks premature on June 17.

“There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not grateful for the people that have donated,” the De Pere mom said Wednesday while holding her son Efrem, who will be five months old this weekend. “I’m obviously thankful for my family and life; and because of someone donating, I’m here to celebrate a Thanksgiving.”

In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of donating blood, Kerbel attended an American Red Cross blood drive on Wednesday at the Lambeau Field Atrium, 1265 Lombardi Ave. People who receive a blood transfusion must wait a year to donate, so Kerbel plans to donate blood for the first time next summer when she is medically cleared.

The blood drive lasted 12 hours and saw 328 pints of blood donated. Organizers had hoped to receive at least 350 pints of blood.

Last month’s Superstorm Sandy killed more than 110 people and caused the cancellation of 380 blood drives across the East Coast, which resulted in a shortage  of nearly 13,000 units of blood and platelets, said Bobbi Snethen, spokeswoman for the American Red Cross Badger-Hawkeye Blood Services Region, which includes Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and eastern Iowa.

The greatest need is for O negative blood — which any patient can receive — followed by A and B negative blood types. O and A positive are the most common blood types, Snethen said.

The American Red Cross holds two blood drives at Lambeau Field each year, she said. This is the fourth year the Red Cross has partnered with the Green Bay Packers, and the event was held at the Legends Club Level.

In addition to donating blood, some people at Lambeau Field signed cards as part of the Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program. The cards will be shipped to active duty soldiers and veterans for the holiday season.

— cedavis@greenbaypressgazette.com and follow him on Twitter @pgcharlesdavis.

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Support the Green Bay Packers and patients in need of lifesaving blood this November

Posted on October 23, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

American Red Cross hosts 12-hour blood drive at Lambeau Field

The American Red Cross invites football fans to give something that means something by donating blood at the Green Bay Packers blood drive on Nov. 14.  While the need for blood is ongoing, the supply isn’t — especially around the holidays. In the spirit of the season, give thanks and give hope to someone in need by donating blood at Lambeau Field.

Green Bay Packers Blood   Drive

Wednesday, November 14 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Lambeau Field – Legends Club Room

1265   Lombardi Ave., Green Bay, Wis.

“In August, nearly 400 Packers fans helped boost the blood supply prior to the Labor Day holiday weekend. The Red Cross returns to Lambeau Field just before Thanksgiving, and we invite community members to lend an arm to support patients in Wisconsin and across the country,” said Michelle Otero, Red Cross Donor Recruitment Supervisor. “The Red Cross is grateful to have the opportunity to partner with the Green Bay Packers and their lifesaving supporters.”

All presenting donors at the Green Bay Packers blood drive will receive a special giveaway item (while supplies last) and can enter a raffle to win official Packers merchandise. All blood types are currently needed while donors with type O negative, A negative or B negative blood are especially encouraged to give. The Red Cross hopes to collect at least 350 pints of blood throughout the day.

Those attending the blood drive will also have an opportunity to send a holiday message to a service member. Preprinted cards will be available to sign as part of the Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program. Holiday Mail for Heroes gives Americans the opportunity to send holiday greetings to veterans, military families and active-duty service members at hospitals and installations around the world. To learn more about the program, visit redcross.org

How to Donate Blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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Blood Drive Donors Become Bone Marrow Donors

Posted on August 30, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter
By Sarah Thomsen – bio | email - WBAY – click HERE for video of story.

Hundreds of people rolled up their sleeves and donated blood at the Packers training camp blood drive Wednesday. Many of them also became bone marrow donors at the same time.

Mary Homel and Phil Enderby don’t know each other but Wednesday they had one thing in common: They both signed up to save a life.

“It just seemed like something that was easy to do and could possibly go a long way for someone else,” Enderby said.

With just the swab of a cheek, both officially became bone marrow donors.

“Because I have family member that have cancer and I have a couple relatives that  died of cancer,” Homel said, “so I figure it’s for a good cause, and if anybody else  needs it, I’m there.”

It was the first time in our area the American Red Cross held a bone marrow registration drive in conjunction with a blood drive.

It’s teaming up with the non-profit DKMS Americas to add donors to the National Bone Marrow Registry.

“We’ve had volunteers trained to talk to people about who you benefit, leukemia patients and people with other blood diseases. So it just  seems like a fitting pair to do both today,” Bobbi Snethen, Red Cross communications program manager, said.

A big push to become a donor started when Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts announced she needed a bone marrow transplant.

Action 2 News has also profiled two children in our area, Mira Erdmann and Charlie Knuth, who each needed life-saving bone marrow transplants.

The idea for this drive started with a passionate family.

“We actually encountered a mother who is a huge advocate, and her son had passed away from leukemia and she was talking about the need to get people on the registry,” Snethen said.

Since it’s the first time, the Red Cross doesn’t know what to expect but says it was pleased with the steady line of people becoming donors.

“I think it’s important to give back, and it’s something I feel like a lot of people could do, and now I’m one of those people,” Enderby said.

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Two Great Organization Coming Together to Save Lives!

Posted on August 27, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter

Click HERE for event information:

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