May 2008 Archives

Here are a few pictures from the Tri-County Red Cross on Memorial Day:

North Plainfield residents Pat Stabile and Skip Hansen sitting under the Tri-County Red Cross wreath.

The Tri-County Red Cross is holding its inaugural golf tournament on October 20, 2008 at Twin Brooks Golf Club in Watchung, NJ.  We're calling it the "Last Chance 2008" tournament.

We're looking for volunteers to help us with setting up the tournament, people who are committed to helping the Red Cross fulfill its mission and either like working the phones and beating the pavement, or like planning events.

Here's what we're looking for:

1)      Sales Team: Five or so great people to sell sponsorships, register golfers, solicit silent auction items, ask golf businesses for prizes for tournament winners, bring in ads for the tournament book, and help with advertising and promoting the event.

2)      Event Team: Five or so great people to plan the day, set up the brunch and cocktail hour, oversee the silent auction and prize presentations, and generally make the "Last Chance 2008" golf tournament one everyone loves and looks forward to in 2009.

If you're interested in volunteering to join our Golf Committee, please drop me a line at rudyn@usa.redcross.org or give me a call at 908-756-6414. 

If you are a golfer interested in participating, or a business interested in sponsoring the event, you can contact Corinna Krauskopf at krauskopfc@usa.redcross.org or call her at 908-756-6414. 

Please come by and meet other dedicated Red Cross folks.

Suspenders Restaurant and Pub
1131 Magie Ave
Union, NJ 07083

For more information please contact Corinna Krauskopf at 908-756-6414 or email.

On May 19, 2008, North Plainfield High School students and faculty participated in a blood drive hosted by the Tri-County Red Cross.  From 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM, 77 people offered their blood for a student suffering from a disease that requires regular blood transfusions.  61 donors were successful.                            

"The Tri-County Red Cross is honored to provide the means for local students and faculty to support this student during their time of need," said Nathan Rudy, CEO of the Tri-County Red Cross.  "Our blood program is geared to making it easy to donate, whether its at school, work or the neighborhood."

The entire senior class was offered the opportunity to attend the blood drive between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM.  In order for students to participate in this event they had to be at least 17 years old.  The average time for donating a pint of blood is 40 minutes, however student donors who were nervous required additional time.  

The student for whom the drive was held wishes to remain anonymous, a desire the Tri-County Red Cross always honors.

Though not the first blood drive on the campus , it was the first partnership  between the  Tri-County Red Cross  and North Plainfield High School.  Students and faculty were impressed with the Red Cross' service, commitment and professionalism during this drive and expressed hope in having another blood drive with the Red Cross in the future.

"This was a great opportunity for all involved," said Victor Webb, Blood Services Director for the Tri-County Red Cross.   "We're glad that everyone had a positive experience and hope it encourages more people to donate blood with the Red Cross."

To find a blood drive near you, visit www.tricountyredcross.org/blood.shtml or call Victor Webb at 908-756-6414.

The American Red Cross is responding to support victims of both the cyclone in Myanmar and the earthquake in China that have killed and displaced tens of thousands of people. 

The American Red Cross raises money for these relief efforts through local donations to chapters like the Tri-County Red Cross, which contribute a portion of their budget to the national organization.  Your contribution to the Tri-County Red Cross supports local relief for more than 100 local disasters a year in Union, Somerset and Middlesex counties; national relief efforts like those for last falls midwest floods; or international relief efforts like these below.

For Myanmar:

The American Red Cross has contributed $250,000 to relief efforts and is prepared assist the Myanmar Red Cross with additional aid and supplies, estimated at $1.25 million.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has successfully shipped shelter kits, made up of tarps, ropes and hammers, and jerry cans for storing clean water to the Myanmar Red Cross, who is partnering with UNICEF to distribute to the hardest hit areas of the coastal delta region.

The American Red Cross and International Federation will continue to tap into their pre-stocked emergency supplies - such as tarps, hygiene kits and insecticide-treated bed nets - located in warehouses in Kuala Lumpur and Dubai as requested.

For China:

Immediately after the quake struck, the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) began to mobilize a relief operation for this disaster. The American Red Cross has been in touch with the RCSC and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and stands prepared to provide including relief supplies, delegates or financial assistance, as needed.

The RCSC immediately mobilized its staff and volunteers, as well as relief supplies, such as tents, quilts and other materials. Already, volunteers and staff from the RCSC have been distributing food, water and tents to people in the affected area. Assessment teams are on the ground to determine the extent of the damage.

On May 12, the International Federation allocated nearly US $240,000 from the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to help the RCSC deliver immediate assistance.

If you are interested in contributing to the Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts, you can do so with this link:

$20.00 - Donation $25.00 - Donation $50.00 - Donation $100.00 - Donation $250.00 - Donation $500.00 - Donation $1,000.00 - Donation

 

If you are interested in contributing directly to the American Red Cross International Disaster Relief Fund, you can do so here.

You can also send a check to:

Tri-County Red Cross
332 W. Front Street
Plainfield, NJ 07060

Be sure to write "International Disaster Relief Fund" in the memo field on your check to support overseas disaster programs, or to leave the memo field blank to contribute to local efforts.

The Tri-County Red Cross is happy to announce April's Volunteer of the Month, to the late Anita D. Kish (9/10/1915 - 4/1/2008).

Kish was one of the historical Red Cross Gray Ladies, named for the volunteer uniforms they wore during WWII. She lived in Fanwood and volunteered for over 20 years at various organizations in the Central NJ area. We were proud to call Mrs. Kish a friend as she helped out at blood drives and shared stories about the wonderful things the Red Cross did in her local community.

"Mrs. Kish's accomplishments are an inspiration to us all," said Nathan Rudy, CEO of the Tri-County Red Cross chapter.  "We are honored to have had her as a volunteer."

Her award was accepted by lifelong friend, Lieselotte Schmiede of Fanwood.

If you would like to volunteer for the Tri-County Red Cross please contact our Director of Youth and Volunteer Services at 908-756-6414 or email webbv@usa.redcross.org.

The Central Jersey Red Cross Region, which the Tri-County Red Cross belongs to, is hiring a major gifts officer for its five chapters.  The job ad is below.

The American Red Cross of Central NJ is seeking a Major Gifts Officer for the Central NJ Region. Responsibilities include identifying major gifts, funding resources and other development opportunities that will benefit the American Red Cross.  Will work with Chapter Executive Directors and their boards to identify and develop contacts with donors, private foundations, other organizations and individuals to solicit financial and in-kind support.  Bachelors degree in business or related field with a minimum of 4 years fundraising/major gifts experience required. Donor database management experience preferred.  Proficiency in Microsoft Office required.  Must have vehicle and a valid drivers license within the specific chapter jurisdiction.  25-50% travel required.  Applications will be accepted until May 30, 2008.  Send resume and cover letter to MGO Search, Attn Human Resources 707 Alexander Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 or email to reiffb@njredcross.org

Molly Lenz, a Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Action Team Volunteer, arrived as the Hillside firefighters were finishing up extinguishing the fire that left three families homeless. She was told the victims had been taken to police headquarters after their lives took a turn nobody expected or wanted. 

The fire started from an electrical short in an exhaust fan in the delicatessen a police officer told her and motioned to two women sitting on a bench inside police headquarters. Tiffany Townsend, Mahalia Jackson and their cat shared apartment number four on Maple Avenue in Hillside when the fire ripped through forcing everyone to evacuate.  

"They were still in shock, not knowing where they were going to sleep, how they were going to eat and what they would be using for clothing. I answered their questions and told them the Red Cross would provide lodging at a local hotel and financial assistance to purchase clothing and food," Lenz said.  

Lenz, who started volunteering with the Red Cross three years ago after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. With friends living in New Orleans, it thoroughly frustrated her because it seemed not enough was being done to help people in the affected areas.  So she contacted the Tri-County Red Cross, attended training, but was not able to assist in the Southern states due to work obligations.  Instead Lenz has been helping local people as a Disaster Assistance Team member.  Since July over 100 families in this area have received help during disasters, mostly house fires.   

"Molly is a great example of a concerned resident wishing to make difference during a major disaster and transitioning her energy to local victims," said Nathan Rudy, CEO of the Tri-County Red Cross.  "Local victims like Ms. Townsend and Ms. Jackson are beginning to put their life back on 'track' because our Disaster Action Team Volunteers were there when they needed it the most."   

To join Lenz as a volunteer for the Tri-County Red Cross, call 908-756-6414 or visit www.tricountyredcross.org.  

Molly Lenz, Disaster Action Team Member for Tri-County Red Cross

The Tri-County Red Cross

&

Wine Country

Of North Plainfield

 

Present

THE SPRING TASTING '08

 

Not just another tasting

Not just another walk-around

Not just another free sales floor tasting

Not just another dull Saturday

 

The Tri-County Red Cross and Wine Country of North Plainfield announced today The Spring Tasting '08, a special wine, beer and spirits tasting on the afternoon of Saturday, May 31, 2008. 

Anyone of legal drinking age is invited to join us for a FREE, casual and informative walk-around tasting on Saturday May 31, at Wine Country of North Plainfield's location on Route 22 West.  Visitors can come at any time during the five hour tasting to learn more about specialty drinks, and can stay for a few minutes or a few hours.

More than 50 different wineries, breweries and distilleries will be represented with in excess of 180 items open for your educational tasting experience. And all for free.  Proceeds from the sales of these items and optional contributions will be donated to the Tri-County Red Cross.

Wine Country of North Plainfield will be open to the public for general retail sales during the tasting.

Mark your calendar:

 

When:                           Saturday May 31, 2008

Time:                            1:00PM - 6:00PM

Where:                           Wine Country of North Plainfield

                                        967 Route 22W, North Plainfield

Tables - Sales Floor:                   26

Tables - Cellar Room:                    8

Items Open per Table:                    6

 

Some of the items open for sampling will include:

Represented Wineries: Edmeades, Bonterra, Sonoma Cutrer, Matanzas Creek Winery, Sebastiani, Santa Carolina, Atalon, Calina, Cambria, Stonestreet, Yangarra, Hartford Court, High Note, Moon Mountain, California Cellars, Dyer, Coyote Crest, Clos La Chance, Bliss, Rodney Strong, Cottage Road, St Helena, Amazing Grace, White Cottage, Art School, Adagio, Talia, Di Majo Norante Falanghina, Argiolas Isolda del Sole Bianco, Falesco Porticinia, Poggiotondo Il Taglio, Vista, Little Mateo, Florentino, Satiraino Barolo, Torre Mastio Amarone, Porta Erbe Amarone, Passo Primo Ripasso, Kim Crawford, Bleadsale Franks Potts, Passing Clouds, Lights Out, Aliwen, El Canto,  and more

Distilleries: Woodford Reserve, Jack Daniels Black, Jack Daniels Single Barrel, Gentleman Jack, Herradurra Tequila, Grey Goose (all flavors), Bacardi Mojito, 5 Highly Rated single maly scotches from the Prestige Beverage Collection, Boru Vodka, Pallini Lemoncello and more

Breweries: TBA

For information on the tasting, please contact Julie at Wine Country of North Plainfield email at: julie@winecountrynorthplainfield.com or by phone at 908-791-3773 x14. 

Last night at a gala ceremony at NJ PAC in Newark, Clara Barton was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.  Ms. Barton is not only the founder of the American Red Cross, but in Bordentown also founded New Jersey's first public school.

"We're thrilled to have our founder as one of the first 15 people inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame," said Nathan Rudy, CEO of the Tri-County Red Cross in Central New Jersey.  "To have her in the first class with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Buzz Aldrin and Yogi Berra is a huge thrill for us."