During Fiscal Year 2012 (July 1, 2011-June 30, 2012) the Fairfield County Advisory Council of the American Red Cross Columbia Region set a goal to raise $11,000 for the American Red Cross Disaster Program. There were numerous appeals made ranging from letters to businesses, churches and individuals, to blood drives to the Annual St. Patrick’s Spaghetti Lunch/Supper fundraiser. In addition, four volunteer fire departments participated in a Firemen’s Boot Drive and raised $2,706.36 in four hours!
These activities did not organize themselves – it took the commitment of many council members spending countless hours making plans and executing them in an efficient and successful manner. Because of the dedication of this group of volunteers, Fairfield County exceeded the original goal and raised in excess of $15,000!
“This group has been a dream to work with and their names are listed below, but special recognition needs to be given to Barbara Martin as the Heroes Chair and Norma Branham as the Committee Chair,” said Paula Thayer, Major Gifts Manager for the Red Cross. “Additionally, Crosby Lewis, previous chairman, needs to be recognized for his vision of what this committee could be and his diligence in working to make it a reality.”
The Red Cross is not a government agency and does not receive federal funding of any type. We are chartered by the U.S. Government to provide humanitarian services to include Disaster Services, Service to Armed Forces, Health and Safety Classes (CPR, First Aid, Water Safety, Lifeguarding, Babysitting, etc.), Biomedical Services (blood donation drives and distribution to area hospitals) and International Services (events like the earthquakes in Haiti and Japan).
It is because of the financial sacrifices of individuals and businesses like those in Fairfield County that the Red Cross is able to carry out its mission each and every day down the street, across the country and around the world. Without our wonderful volunteers that make up 98 percent of our workforce, we could not return 91 cents of every dollar donated to provide needed client services. All services are provided free of charge, 365 days a year.
To all the wonderful people of Fairfield County who had a part in making this dream a reality, THANK YOU for helping save a life.
If you would like to make a donation to the American Red Cross or a contribution in honor or memory of someone – please mail it to the Fairfield County American Red Cross, P.O. Box 314, Winnsboro, S.C. 29180. If you would like to become a Red Cross volunteer, please contact Katharine Stafford at Katharine.stafford@redcross.org or call 803-540-1242.
American Red Cross
Fairfield County Advisory Board