$570

Over the weekend my campaign reached $570. Over half way there, and I am crossing my fingers we can make it to $1000. Thanks again to everyone for their support. If you know of anyone who would like to support Katie's Heroes but was not lucky enough to be in my outlook address book please pass this site on to them.
Think Spring!

Katie's Heroes Extended

Due to unexpected (is it ever expected?) bouts of influenza A and the stomach flu in the Wayne House, I have extended Katie's Heroes until April 4. Your donations to the chapter are always welcome, but to have it count toward my campaign donations must be received by then. So...how's the campaign doing???? We are at $320! Still a ways to go, but I am hopeful I can meet my goal of $1000. Every penny helps - and I happily accept any size donation. Thanks so much to those who have supported this campaign!
I know times are tough, and the economy is not donation friendly right now. I must admit I feel a bit like I am back in high school selling raffle tickets for a band trip, but this is a cause that I truly believe in. I have said it before, but no one knows they need the Red Cross until the unthinkable happens, and when it does, we'll be there.
I have a great crew of volunteers who respond to a majority of our fires, but occasionally I get to go out on a case as well. One fire call that I responded to that I will never forget was this past December, the Friday before Christmas. I responded to the call and when I got there the fire department was still on the scene. A mom, dad and daughter lived in the house and were not injured in the blaze. The dad and daughter were checking on the horses, so I met with the mom in my car. For those of you who have seen my car it is not the ideal place to do casework as it is basically my home away from home, full of toys, papers and old Cheerios - but it was warm and provided us a place to chat. I sat with her and watched her house burn down. We saw the firefighters bring out the Christmas presents. I have never seen a burnt I-Pod before, and never hope to see one again. This was an upper-middle class neighborhood. The family had insurance, but the insurance agent said he couldn't get out there until after the holidays. I could tell this family was uncomfortable accepting help, but their money/credit cards etc. were in the house. I made arrangements for the family and their dogs to stay at a hotel and told them we also have assistance to buy food and clothing. The mom said 'we have the clothes we are wearing and don't need anything, you can save the money for someone who may need it more.' I was a bit taken aback and was also holding back tears. I said when you wake up in the morning don't you want clean clothes to put on, you can even use the money to buy clean underwear. Through her tears she laughed and said "underwear! I didn't even think of underwear!"
Through the generous donations of the American public and the communities we serve the Red Cross is able to help families like this every day. Not even home insurance can ensure you have clean underwear the day after a fire.

Update

Thanks to everyone who has supported Katie's Heroes. To date we are at $150 - and have a ways to go. If you haven't donated yet I am asking you to please consider. Our chapter does great work and helps people when they need it most.

Disaster-wise, March has been a pretty quiet month with only 3 fires so far. In February we had a record breaking 15 fires! We are hoping this is not a trend.

A year ago March 14 our chapter responded to the flooding in Browns Valley, MN. After getting the call around 3 in the morning our chapter sprung into action. Over the course of a week 22 volunteers from the Central MN Chapter as well as several volunteers from across the state provided assistance to this community that was devastated by a flood. I have never been more proud of my volunteers or the work that the Red Cross does. The picture is from the first day we were there.

CMC Red Cross Service Area

A few people have asked which counties the Central MN Chapter American Red Cross serves. We provided service to all 17 counties in blue and yellow - or as we like to say - border to border across the state of MN.

To date Katie's Heroes has raised $100 - 10% of my goal. Thanks for your support!

Hero Kick-off!

A little late, but I still have time. Here's the deal...I am trying to be a Hero for the Central MN Chapter American Red Cross by raising $1000 during the 2008 Hero Campaign - and I need your help. Here's a few facts about our chapter -

2007 Facts

• We responded to 91 disaster incidents, assisting 106 families
• $66,129.94 delivered in emergency assistance including food, shelter, clothing, health and mental health services
• We have volunteers on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to our community's needs

Our chapter serves 17 counties across central MN serving more than 580,000 people. The American Red Cross is chartered by Congress to provide relief to victims of disaster, yet we receive no government funding. The disaster assistance we provide is made possible by the generosity from the American public and people like you!

If you can, join Katie's Heroes and help me on my way to raise at least $1000 for the Central MN Chapter American Red Cross. You can make your secure, tax-deductible donation in several ways -

#1 - Online at https://secure1.redcrosssecure.org/cenmnredcross.org/index.php?pr=Donations Enter "Katie's Heroes" in the space that says 'Remember someone special or give a gift to honor someone close to you by an Honor or Memorial donation'

#2 - You can mail your check to: Central MN Chapter American Red Cross, Attn: Katie's Heroes, 1301 West St. Germain, St. Cloud, MN 56301. Please indicate "Katie's Heroes" memo line.

#3 - Bring your money to me in person at our Chapter Office. I'd be happy to give you a tour!

Check back to this site often to check my progress and leave comments. I'll be updating it with other facts, figures and stories throughout the campaign. Thanks for your support!