Fundraiser

After responding to more than 60 large-scale disasters in 2008, including a record-breaking tornado season, widespread flooding across the central extensive wildfires, and a devastating hurricane season, the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) is depleted. This fund allows the Red Cross to provide help whenever and wherever disasters occur. We are calling on you to support the DRF , which will ensure that we can continue our vital work to help those facing disasters across our country.       

We have launched a nationwide fundraising campaign to raise an initial $100 million to help victims of recent disasters, including the hurricanes of 2008, meet their immediate needs for food, shelter, counseling and other critical services.

The Tri-County chapter, headquartered in Plainfield and Elizabeth serves 22 communities in Union, Somerset and Middlesex Counties and respond to more than 60 local disasters each year, teaches life-saving skills to more than 10,000 people annually, and also supports national disasters with fundraising, volunteer disaster personnel and materials.

You, your company or your organization can donate at any level -- $5 to $50,000 or more -- by using the links above.  You can select to send your gift only to national disaster relief, only to disaster relief in the Tri-County Red Cross area, or split it evenly between the two.

There's just one month left from the Tri-County Red Cross's inaugural golf outing, the Last Chance 2008 Golf Tournament held on October 20, 2008 at Watchung's Twin Brooks Country Club.

"This may be your last chance for a major golf outing in 2008, a full day of fun, golf and entertainment," said Tri-County Red Cross chapter chairman Doug Reeder of Warren.  "We'll serve you brunch, 18 holes of golf, an open bar and end the day with a dinner reception and silent auction."

All proceeds from the golf tournament go to support disaster relief efforts of the Tri-County Red Cross in Union, Somerset and Middlesex Counties.  Golf prizes include golf bags, Dell Computer, Bose Stereo and a $50,000 hole in one contest. 

The Tri-County chapter responds to more than 60 local disasters every year, and has disaster volunteers serving in Mississippi and Texas responding to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.  For instance, Winnie Clark, her daughters and their children lost their home to a fire last year, and her son John explained what it meant to have the Tri-County Red Cross there to help.

"I was on the phone with my mother, and she was telling me they had no idea where they were going to stay.  Then she said, 'The Red Cross just got here' and I knew it was going to be OK.  Thank God the Red Cross was there for my family."

Last Chance 2008 Golf Tournament sponsors, golfers and silent auction participants make the Red Cross Disaster Relief program possible, helping families like Winnie's recover from disaster.