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).
Filed under: Disaster Services, Fundraising, Special Events | Tagged: Dine for Disaster, Fundraiser, N.E.W. Red Cross, Red Cross, S.E. Red Cross | Leave a Comment »
“Songs of the Season”
Dancing with our Stars is now in its fifth year and it is has been a sold-out event each year. Not only do those in attendance support local efforts, so can those not attending as the “star dancers” receive votes in the form of donations to the Red Cross. One dollar equals one vote. All funds raised support disaster prevention, preparation and relief, the life-saving training of first aid, CPR/AED classes, collection and testing of blood and blood products, support to military members serving around the globe, the transportation program and international programs.
