American Red Cross Introduces New Local "Heroes"
Monroe County Chapter to Kickoff "HEROES for the ARC" Fundraising Campaign

February 25, Bloomington, IN -- For more than 90 years, the Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross has been a hero for thousands of people in our community, lending aid during times of disaster, seeing to the welfare of military families and providing citizens with lifesaving CPR and first aid skills. Now many members of our community are stepping forward to be HEROES for the American Red Cross, each pledging to raise $1,000 to keep the vital services of the Red Cross alive and well in Monroe and Owen Counties.

"HEROES for the American Red Cross" is a grassroots campaign in which local business people, school groups, church groups, civic clubs, and individuals pledge to raise $1,000, through any legal means they choose, for the local Red Cross chapter. This year, the Monroe County Chapter has set its sights on raising $50,000 during the campaign, beginning with a March 4th Kick-off breakfast at the Radisson Hotel on the 46 Bypass at Kinser Pike in Bloomington. The funds will be used to support Red Cross services, such as disaster relief, assistance for fire victims, emergency military communications, first aid and CPR training and disaster preparedness information for our community. All money raised will support your neighbors in Monroe and Owen Counties.

"HEROES for the American Red Cross" is a six week campaign. The HEROES often come up with fun and unique fundraisers, so be on the lookout for them within the next few weeks. In fact some of the HEROES have pledged to raise their money by selling Red Cross Squares, holding couch-athons, hosting a dodge ball tournament, and having a book sale at their business. Please support the HEROES when you see them in the community. It’s not too late to become a HERO. Call the Red Cross at (812) 332-7292 for more information or to become involved.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.