Monday, April 30, 2018

In Case You Missed It - April 30

Superstar Red Cross volunteers joined us last weekend in our quest to Sound the Alarm and #EndHomeFires by installing free smoke alarms and teaching fire preparedness. Were you there?

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 400 adults and 113 children following 48 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (see below)

Last Week in Review
  • On Friday we hosted an interactive panel discussion with our two heroes of the Las Vegas shooting: Winston and Ghaed. Alec Cecil, one of our American Red Cross Mental Health volunteers, also joined in. The discussion, moderated by our CEO Josh Lockwood, centered on coping, recovering, and the process of healing – with each panelist bringing their own personal experience from the horrific mass shooting in Las Vegas. FOX5 covered the event. 
  • Also on Friday, the Long Island Red Cross hosted the 2018 Patron Party to recognize this year’s Heroes Among Us Gala honorees, heroes, volunteers, and to thank our amazing sponsors.
  • On Wednesday, we got together with the International Service Department to have a discussion about the services they provide that most people don’t really know about! Check it out here.
  • Also on Wednesday, our inspirational volunteers Mia Hubbert and Lori Nantista Galen set out in Sullivan County to help teach others how to be #RedCrossReady in case of an emergency. Great work ladies!
  • The Spring All Hands Meeting took place on Wednesday at the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind. Not only did we have a productive meeting, but we made a lot of furry friends too!
  • Red Cross Corps set out to educate over 525 youths on Tuesday. While their voices might be exhausted, it was a job well done!

Upcoming Events and Opportunities
  • If you’re a mission-focused undergraduate or graduate college student seeking a meaningful internship experience, then apply to our Red Cross program—a rare opportunity to explore and enrich your future career prospects while serving others. Apply here: http://bit.ly/2x9lnqV
  • May 1, 4, 7: Red Cross blood drives will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Greater NY Red Cross building located at 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
  • May 1: The Red Cross is holding a panel discussion between experts in humanitarian and global affairs about the many “silent” disasters that occur and the humanitarian implications of their lack of visibility. RSVP for the free panel here. 
  • May 6, 12: Major “Sound the Alarm” fire safety smoke alarm installation events are coming to Brooklyn on May 6 and 12 and we need your help to install free smoke alarms in at-risk neighborhoods and to educate families on preparing for fires. Sign up by calling 877-733-2767 or by visiting www.soundthealarm.org/nyc. 
  • May 10: We invite you to the "Women Who Lead" luncheon panel where you'll get to meet the staff and volunteers of the Red Cross and hear from influential women who are changemakers in their field. For more information on the panelists and to purchase tickets, click here.
  • May 17: The American Red Cross Young Patrons are hosting an “Evening Under the Stars,” a summer rooftop networking soiree. You can find out more and buy tickets here. 
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Tuesday, April 24, 2018

40+ NYC Pols “Sound the Alarm” to End Home Fires

Bronx & Brooklyn Borough Presidents Issue Friendly Challenge 

More than 40 local elected officials are teaming up with the Red Cross to “Sound the Alarm” to end home fires in late April and early May.These individuals at the local, state and national level are offering their voice and support to upcoming Red Cross fire safety initiatives as official “Sound the Alarm” Champions.

Watch “Sound the Alarm” videos from NY elected officials

“The Greater New York Red Cross is proud to team up with our New York City partners to help make our communities safer and more prepared,” said Josh Lockwood, CEO, American Red Cross in Greater New York.

The “Sound the Alarm” home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events in NYC are part of a national campaign between April 28-May 13, when Red Cross chapters across the country will install over 100,000 smoke alarms.

Among these Champions are Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, representing the two boroughs hosting fire safety events in the coming weeks. Their support has taken the form of a Brooklyn/Bronx fire safety challenge:

“Borough President Diaz, we’re going to out-install you in the borough of Brooklyn,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams. “The County of Kings is going to show you how it’s done right.”

Watch Full Brooklyn Borough President Adams issue challenge

“We’ve been challenged by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, and let’s show him that here in the Bronx we do it bigger and better. We are the home of the Yankees,the birthplace of hip hop, and el condado de la salsa, and he’s challenged us and said that Brooklyn can install more fire alarms than the boogie-down Bronx,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz. “So join me, and let’s send Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams a strong message that in the Bronx, we do it better.”

Watch Full Bronx Borough President Diaz accept challenge

Since kicking off this fire safety program four years ago, the American Red Cross andtheir partners across the country have installed more than 1 million smoke alarms and prepared more than 1 million people against home fires. To date, more than 400 lives have been saved thanks to this initiative. In NYC alone, the Red Cross has installed nearly 70,000 smoke alarms.

These NYC events are made possible through the generous support of partners like BBDO, CBS Corporation, Dentsu Aegis Network, the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), the FDNY Foundation, Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., Turner Construction, and the New York Yankees.

Champions in Brooklyn:

Borough President Eric L. Adams; Council member Alan Maisel; Council member Jumaane D. Williams; Council member Mathieu Eugene; Council member Inez D. Barron; Council member Alicka Ampry-Samuel; Council member Laurie A. Cumbo; Council member Robert E. Cornegy Jr.; Council member Rafael L. Espinal, Jr.; Assembly member Jaime R. Williams; Assembly member Helene E. Weinstein; Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte; Assembly member Diana C. Richardson; Assembly member Tremaine Wright; Assembly member Walter T. Mosley; Assembly member Maritza Davila; Assembly member Erik M. Dilan; Senator Martin Malavé Dilan; Senator Jesse Hamilton; Senator Roxanne J. Persaud; Senator Kevin S. Parker; Congress member Yvette Clarke; Congress member Hakeem Jeffries

Champions in Bronx:

Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr.; Congress member Jose E. Serrano; Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie; Assembly member Michael Blake; Assembly member Marcos Crespo; Assembly member Latoya Joyner; Assembly member Jeffrey Dinowitz; Senator Gustavo Rivera; Senator Jose M. Serrano; Senator Jamaal Bailey; Council member Vanessa Gibson; Council member Rafael Salamanca, Jr.; Council member Ritchie J. Torres; Council member Fernando Cabrera; Council member Ruben Diaz; Council member Andy King; Council member Andrew Cohen

“Sound the Alarm” is a year-round program available to NYers from all boroughs. To sign up for a free smoke alarm, to join as a volunteer or to provide financial support visit SoundtheAlarm.org/nyc.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers andthe generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/GNY or visit us on Twitter at @redcrossny.



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In Case You Missed It - April 24

CEO Josh Lockwood caught up with a former displaced resident that the Red Cross helped last year. Now,this cute pup is in training to be a Red Cross Therapy dog! Talk about paying it forward!

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 117 adults and 41 children following 45 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (see below)

Last Week in Review
  • On Sunday, rock star Red Crosser Matthew Jedwab held his first “Helping Through Hoops” charity basketball tournament to raise money (and exceeded his goal, might we add) for our “Sound the Alarm” campaign. Thanks for all your help Matthew!
  • Our third annual Disaster Ready Summit took place this weekend where Red Cross volunteers and employees had the opportunity to broaden their skill sets and become #RedCrossReady. Check out some social media highlights:
    • Assemblyman Richard Gottfried stopped by to swear in and administer a pledge to our amazing class of AmeriCorps members.
    • Red Crosser Celia Vollmer taught a seminar all about feeding fundamentals.
    • Another Red Crosser, Matthew Hurst, moderated a panel, about the effective use of social media during disasters. The panel also featured the Red Cross’ social media team as well as Allison Pennisi, from the NYC Emergency Management Department.
    • Volunteer Jennifer Pearsallwas also on deck and conducted a presentation on the most effective way to deploy – teaching everyone the how to’s they need to know!
  • Lohud, covered an apartment fire that broke out on Friday evening that displaced multiple residents in Chestnut Ridge. The Red Cross was on the scene to help these displaced residents throughout the night.
  • This past Thursday, Red Cross Hero Lori-Ann Spaccarelli-Pizzarelli was honored with a Woman of Distinction Award from Assemblywoman Christine Pelligrino for her contributions as the Home Fire Preparedness Lead for Long Island. It’s because of extraordinary people like Lori-Ann that the Red Cross can help those in need. Big congratulations to Lori-Ann!
  • Animal Rescue organization Big Paws Crossed, thanked the Red Cross earlier this month for the donations from Red Crossers like you! 
  • On Monday, CEO Josh Lockwood found a nice surprise! Bumping into a man and a dog that Lockwood helped during a home fire in December 2017. Lockwood found out the resident’s dog will be finishing training to be a Red Cross therapy dog. Paying it forward!
  • The kickoff for our huge “Sound The Alarm” campaign is only a few days away and so many people have teamed up with us to #EndHomeFires. Last week we featured a few more of our partners: Councilmember Dr. Mathieu Eugene, Senator Gustavo Rivera, Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Councilmember Ritchie Torres, and Councilmember Vanessa L. Gibson.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities
  • If you’re a mission-focused undergraduate or graduate college student seeking a meaningful internship experience, then apply to our Red Cross Program—a rare opportunity to explore and enrich your future career prospects while serving others. Apply here: http://bit.ly/2x9lnqV
  • April 25, 26, 28, 30: Red Cross blood drives will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Greater NY Red Cross building located at 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
  • April 27: Prior to the Red and White Ball, we will be holding a panel discussion with hero honorees Taylor Winston and Shiva Ghaed who were both in attendance at the tragic Las Vegas mass shooting that occurred at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival on October 1, 2017. Both have been instrumental in the rescue and recovery of the concertgoers as they put their lives back together after the traumatic event. Stay tuned for more details.
  • April 28: The Red and White Ball is the major source of funding for the American Red Cross in Greater New York. The Ball will feature live and silent auctions; wine and food; and music and dancing. Please join us for this black tie event. 
  • April 28, May 6, 12: Major “Sound the Alarm” fire safety smoke alarm installation events are coming to the Bronx on April 28 and in Brooklyn on May 6 and 12 and we need your help to install free smoke alarms in at-risk neighborhoods and to educate families on preparing for fires. Sign up by calling 877-733-2767 or by visiting www.soundthealarm.org/nyc. 
  • May 1: The Red Cross is holding a panel discussion between experts in humanitarian and global affairs about the many “silent” disasters that occur and the humanitarian implications of their lack of visibility. RSVP for the free panel here. 
  • May 17: The American Red Cross Young Patrons are hosting an “Evening Under the Stars,” a summer rooftop networking soiree. You can find out more and buy tickets here. 
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Monday, April 16, 2018

In Case You Missed It - April 16

On Saturday, our Red Cross volunteers got busy getting ready and training for our spring "Sound The Alarm, Save a Life" campaign.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 93 adults and 42 children following 46 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review
  • As seen on Bronx News 12, residents across the Bronx got a lesson in preparedness during Bronx Preparedness Weekend. The Red Cross teamed up with the FDNY and the New York City Emergency Management Department to help share lifesaving tips on how to prevent fires and other emergencies. 
  • Shining the spotlight on one of our many rock star volunteers: meet Zoe Anderson! Zoe oversees all of the logistical activities for all five boroughs in New York City, and took some time to share her experience with us.
  • With our spring campaign to #EndHomeFires coming up, on Saturday we hosted training events to help volunteers get ready to Sound the Alarm. We also had volunteers, this past Friday, out and about in Coney Island helping to recruit volunteers for smoke alarm installations.
  • Many people have hopped on board to join us in our mission to help #EndHomeFires and install free smoke alarms. Last week we featured a few of these partners: Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
  • On Thursday, the Red Cross partnered with LIU to host “Building a Resilient Long Island: Preparedness and Partnerships” where we discussed preparing our communities for emergencies. 
  • On Tuesday, we announced one of the honorees for this year’s Red and White Ball – Major Mary Jennings Hegar who will be receiving the Exceptional Service Award. Hegar served three tours in Afghanistan and wrote the bestselling book, Shoot Like a Girl. 
  • On Monday we welcomed Christine Malafi, to the Board of Directions of the American Red Cross Long Island. Congratulations Christine!
  • Red Cross responders were on the scene of a fire in White Plains early Saturday morning to provide comfort and care for 70 evacuated residents. Responders also helped displaced residents after a home fire in Thornwood on Monday. 
  • Last week, Long Island Press honoredthe region’s most influential business, nonprofit and political leaders. Among their “Power List” members was our LI red Cross CEO, Neela Lockel.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities 
  •  If you’re a mission-focused undergraduate or graduate college student seeking a meaningful internship experience, then apply to our Red Cross Program—a rare opportunity to explore and enrich your future career prospects while serving others. Apply here: http://bit.ly/2x9lnqV
  • April 16, 20, 23: Red Cross blood drives will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Greater NY Red Cross building located at 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
  • April 19-22: The Red Cross is holding their third annual Disaster Ready Summit, a multiple day training event for anyone who wants to learn how to help the American Red Cross respond to disasters in their community. Sign up here. 
  • April 27: Prior to the Red and White Ball, we will be holding a panel discussion with hero honorees Taylor Winston and Shiva Ghaed who were both in attendance at the tragic Las Vegas mass shooting that occurred at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival on October 1st. Both have been instrumental in the rescue and recovery of the concertgoers as they put their lives back together after the traumatic event. Stay tuned for more details.
  • April 28: The Red and White Ball is the primary source for funding for the American Red Cross New York. The Ball will feature live and silent auctions; wine and food; and music and dancing. Please join us for this black tie event. 
  • May 17: The American Red Cross Young Patrons are hosting an “Evening Under the Stars,” a summer rooftop networking soiree. You can find out more and buy tickets here. 
  • April 28, May 6, 12: Major “Sound the Alarm” fire safety smoke alarm installation events are coming to the Bronx on April 28 and in Brooklyn on May 6 and 12 and we need your help to install free smoke alarms in at-risk neighborhoods and to educate families on preparing for fires. Sign up by calling 877-733-2767 or by visiting www.soundthealarm.org/nyc. 
  •  May 1: The Red Cross is holding a panel discussion between experts in humanitarian and global affairs about the many “silent” disasters that occur and the humanitarian implications of their lack of visibility. RSVP for the free panel here. 
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Friday, April 13, 2018

Volunteer Profile: How Zoe Anderson will help to Sound the Alarm this Spring with Red Cross


by Stan Frank

This Spring, the American Red Cross will initiate the most ambitious national Home Fire Campaign ever held. Called Sound the Alarm. Save a Life., the event will take place between April 28 and May 13, 2018. During this time, the Red Cross volunteers and partners will install, free of charge, more than 100,000 smoke alarms in high-risk neighborhoods throughout the country.

There are so many ways to get involved. From going door to door to canvass neighborhoods to serving as a logistics volunteer to working with our information management team, there is a position available for whatever interests you.

We recently surveyed a number of Red Cross volunteers and here’s what Zoe Anderson said about her past volunteer experiences:


Zoe Anderson, logistics volunteer with the home fire campaign
What motivated you initially to become a Red Cross volunteer with the Home Fire Campaign?

I was motivated by my sister, Hortensia ("Rok")Anderson. She has been a volunteer since 2014 when the [Home Fire] campaign started. Often when she would come in from her shift, she would tell me how her day went and it sounded intriguing, and I wanted to learn more about how the Red Cross installs smoke detectors for free in homes.

What kind of volunteering have you done with the Home Fire Campaign?

After having a sneak peak of what my sister did on a regular shift, I decided to go all in. I signed up with the Red Cross, joined the Home Fire Campaign, and began training in how to educate clients, install smoke detectors, and document vital information about the clients and their family members. I continued on to become the Home Fire Campaign Coordinator for the Bronx, where I coordinated all of the programs and activities in the borough. Currently, I am the Home Fire Campaign’s Logistics Lead for New York City, where I oversee all of the logistical activities for all five boroughs.

Can you give an example of a satisfying experience you had while volunteering with the Home Fire Campaign?

My first major event was most satisfying when I saw the lengths to which the Red Cross goes to help people in need.

What would you say to someone thinking of volunteering with the Home Fire Campaign?

I would tell them to do it! It’s an important venture that the Red Cross and the Fire Departments across the country have developed to help prevent home fire related deaths by 25% or more. You will definitely meet and enjoy working with people from a diverse and caring community.

Thanks Zoe for sharing your experience with us!

Join us this fall to Sound the Alarm and help #EndHomeFires

Visit SoundTheAlarm.org or Volunteer Connection (existing Red Cross volunteers) to learn more and sign up today!

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Wednesday, April 11, 2018

New York Elected Officials "Sound the Alarm" to #EndHomeFires



From April 28 to May 13, American Red Cross volunteers across the country will be installing 100,000+ free smoke alarms to advance the life-saving home fire campaign, "Sound the Alarm. Save a Life." In addition to installing smoke alarms in vulnerable communities, volunteers will provide residents with tips and information on fire safety and prevention.

Since 2014, the home fire campaign has made thousands of New York homes safer, and this past year the FDNY reported the lowest amount of fire deaths in the past 100 years, citing the Red Cross installations as a main driver.

In Greater New York, we have partnered with 45 elected officials (see full list at bottom) to help us "Sound the Alarm" to #EndHomeFires. Here are more than a dozen recorded Public Service Announcements you can check out below:

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie 
Heastie represents the 83rd District as Speaker of the New York State Assembly.
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
Clark represents New York's 9th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.



Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
Jeffries represents New York's 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.



Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams



Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr.

English:


Spanish:



Westchester County Executive George Latimer



Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson
Gibson serves as New York City Council member representing the 16th District.



Councilman Ritchie J. Torres 
Torres serves as New York City Council member representing the 15th District.


Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz 
Dinowitz represents the 81st District in the New York State Assembly.



Senator Gustavo Rivera 
Rivera is a New York State Senator from the 33rd District.



Councilman Mathieu Eugene
Eugene serves as New York City Council member representing the 40th District.



Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte
Bichotte represents the 42nd Assembly District in the New York State Assembly.



Senator Jesse Hamilton 
Hamilton is a New York State Senator from the 20th District.



Senator Kevin S. Parker 
Parker is a New York State Senator from the 21st District.



 New York City Fire Department Commissioner Daniel Nigro & Red Cross Greater New York CEO Josh Lockwood 
Champions in Brooklyn:

Borough President Eric L. Adams; Council member Alan Maisel; Council member Jumaane D. Williams; Council member Mathieu Eugene; Council member Inez D. Barron; Council member Alicka Ampry-Samuel; Council member Laurie A. Cumbo; Council member Robert E. Cornegy Jr.; Council member Rafael L. Espinal, Jr.; Assembly member Jaime R. Williams; Assembly member Helene E. Weinstein; Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte; Assembly member Diana C. Richardson; Assembly member Tremaine Wright; Assembly member Walter T. Mosley; Assembly member Maritza Davila; Assembly member Erik M. Dilan; Senator Martin Malavé Dilan; Senator Jesse Hamilton; Senator Roxanne J. Persaud; Senator Kevin S. Parker; Congress member Yvette Clarke; Congress member Hakeem Jeffries

Champions in Bronx:

Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr.; Congress member Jose E. Serrano; Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie; Assembly member Michael Blake; Assembly member Marcos Crespo; Assembly member Latoya Joyner; Assembly member Jeffrey Dinowitz; Senator Gustavo Rivera; Senator Jose M. Serrano; Senator Jamaal Bailey; Council member Vanessa Gibson; Council member Rafael Salamanca, Jr.; Council member Ritchie J. Torres; Council member Fernando Cabrera; Council member Ruben Diaz; Council member Andy King; Council member Andrew Cohen


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Monday, April 2, 2018

In Case You Missed It - April 2

Our Red Cross volunteers woke up bright and early on Wednesday to storm the Today Plaza and raise awareness for Red Cross Giving Day!

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 174 adults and 67 children following 51 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

Upcoming Events and Opportunities
  • April 2, 3, 6, 9: Red Cross blood drives will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Greater NY Red Cross building located at 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
  • April 28, May 6, 12: Major “Sound the Alarm” fire safety smoke alarm installation events are coming to the Bronx on April 28 and in Brooklyn on May 6 and 12 and we need your help to install free smoke alarms in at-risk neighborhoods and to educate families on preparing for fires. Sign up by calling 877-733-2767 or by visiting www.soundthealarm.org/nyc.
  • April 27: Prior to the Red and White Ball, we will be holding a panel discussion with hero honorees Taylor Winston and Shiva Ghaed who were both in attendance at the tragic Las Vegas mass shooting that occurred at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival on October 1st. Both have been instrumental in the rescue and recovery of the concertgoers as they put their lives back together after the traumatic event. Stay tuned for more details.
  • April 28: Click here for more information about the 2018 Red & White Ball: A Salute to Service and Valor.
  •  May 1: The Red Cross is holding a panel discussion between experts in humanitarian and global affairs about the many “silent” disasters that occur and the humanitarian implications of their lack of visibility. RSVP for the free panel here. 
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