Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross Holds Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 23 in Long Hill Township
Chapter Staff, Board of Directors, Volunteers and Local Dignitaries Celebrate Critical Work Completed by the Chapter During the Year
Long Hill (June 24, 2009) – The Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross held its annual meeting on Tuesday, June 23rd at the Long Hill Township Senior Center. The purpose of the meeting was to celebrate the critical work that the chapter has accomplished during the past year, elect new board members and honor chapter volunteers (many of whom were present).
“Our annual meeting is a highlight of our year because it provides us with the opportunity to recognize—in a more formal way—the critical support we enjoy from a volunteer force of nearly 500 individuals,” says Christy Hodde, chapter executive director. More than 50 people attended the gathering to hear about the work the chapter has done during one of its busiest years. Since mid-December the Chapter’s Disaster Action Team (DAT) has assisted more than 93 individuals in crises – most often during house fires. Long Hill Township resident Barb Chestnut serves as the Director of Response for the DAT and two other residents, Irene Sachs and Mike Flynn, are both members of this critical disaster response group.
Several Chapter volunteers received pins recognizing 5, 10, 15, 20 and even 40 years of service to the chapter. Sachs received a 15-year pin commemorating her dedication to the DAT including her disaster relief efforts during Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav.
Long Hill Township Mayor George Vitureira stopped by with his daughter to present Hodde with a donation of $200.00 – money he had received in exchange for mayoral duties performing a wedding. Vitureira praised the work of the Colonial Crossroads Chapter and said that Long Hill Township and the Chapter shared a mutual respect and a commitment to working together for the benefit of the community.
The Chapter has responded to a number of fires in Long Hill Township most recently a house fire in Gillette in March. Members of the town’s Office of Emergency Management, including director Ken Fullagar and his wife Cookie, and others attended the chapter’s Hour for the Red fundraising breakfast in May to show their support.
Presentations were made by the Chairman of the Board Mike Wattick who acknowledged his admiration for the chapter’s work and his appreciation for all the volunteers. Allan Penner, board secretary, made a motion to approve a slate of new board members. Treasurer Rick Barrett reviewed the chapter’s finances and encouraged all those who supported the chapter’s work to make financial contributions when possible. Due to the economic downturn of the past year, the chapter is struggling to raise needed funds to keep vital programs and services operating. Hodde requested that all friends of the chapter consider joining the Colonial Crossroads Chapter Legacy Society by including the chapter as a beneficiary in their wills. “I have just become a legacy member and it is such a simple and powerful way to help this organization continue its good work for generations to come.”
To find out more about the Colonial Crossroads Chapter and how you can donate your expertise, time, money or blood; or to help your family, business, or community prepare for emergencies, please call 908-273-2076.
