The Red Cross made a promise to Lane County in 1917 to always be there when disaster strikes. Monday night, the Oregon Electric Station hosted a dinner for the non-profit organization, which vowed to continue that promise as it kicks off its annual fundraising campaign.
Eileen Beban, chairwoman of the board for Red Cross, said the fundraising efforts will enable the organization to continue serving the community. Red Cross officials hope to raise $115,000 through this month’s efforts.
Olympic athlete Marla Runyan made a special guest appearance at the fundraising kickoff, which was held to motivate Red Cross volunteers and employees to get out and raise money.
“I just want you all to know that I appreciate all that you do,” said Runyan, who competed as a runner in the 2000 Olympic Games.
Most of this year’s fundraising campaign was handled by Debbie Phillips, Red Cross financial development director, and University Public Relations Intern Melissa O’Connell.
Romania Toyota has raised $8,000 for the Red Cross through a telemarketing campaign. Phillips said Steve Romania is paying the salaries of his employees who volunteered to take part in the telemarketing, and has said he will attempt to bring in $15,000 through telemarketing.
About 25 bookstores and businesses in Eugene have agreed to carry free bookmarks made by the Red Cross, and the majority of these businesses said they will also allow a canister for donations to accompany the bookmarks.
Red Cross volunteers have been asked to engage in a community pledges campaign, in which volunteers will ask their friends and family members to make pledges and donations.
For the first time, Red Cross organizations from across the nation will be hosting a virtual auction. O’Connell said donations of everything from a fishing trip to a weekend for two have been made by businesses and individuals.
Runyan donated an Olympic running jersey, which she signed, to the auction.
Red Cross Community Campaign Manager Don Jackson said the organization didn’t have as much success fundraising last year as it had hoped, raising only $106,000.
Jackson said many people don’t realize what Red Cross does.
“We serve one in six people in Lane County every year, and 256 people are served by our Meals on Wheels program,” said Jackson.
Each year, Red Cross chapters across the country begin fundraising in March, which is “Red Cross Month.”
“In 1905, the Red Cross received a charter from the U.S. Congress that lets us do what we do for the community,” said Daniel Jud, the Red Cross emergency services supervisor. “We have to exist to provide disaster services, but we have to come up with our own money to do it.”
The Red Cross receives no federal funds and depends on the community to fund the organization so it can continue its service during disasters, Beban said.
“We don’t just do blood,” said Phillips. “We have programs for every stage of life for free, we respond to every single fire, we serve 67,000 meals to homebound people and train 22,000 people in CPR and first aid.”
Ben Masengil, who has been a Red Cross volunteer for more than 40 years, said disaster can happen to anyone.
“People don’t realize what we do for them, and how desperate a situation can be until they’re in it,” Masengil said. “It’s your neighbors and your community that has made what we do possible.”
Beban said it’s the fundraising that keeps people alive, even if they don’t realize it.
“It’s easy for people to take a non-profit organization like the Red Cross for granted,” Beban said. “But as soon as we’re gone, they would know it in a heartbeat.”