Wednesday, March 1, 2017 (Los Angeles) — The American Red Cross Los Angeles is recognizing LA’s everyday heroes as it celebrates March is Red Cross Month and concludes its centennial year serving the greater Los Angeles region.
“March is Red Cross Month, the perfect time to honor our Red Cross volunteers, blood donors and financial contributors who bring hope to people facing life’s emergencies,” said Jarrett Barrios, CEO American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “This year is especially meaningful as we conclude a year of celebrating 100 years of Red Cross service that all began when a group of individuals started our chapter in response to war effort needs in 1916.”
The American Red Cross depends on local heroes to fulfill its mission. Every eight minutes, Red Cross disaster workers respond to a community disaster, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. It provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families at home and around the world. The Red Cross must collect nearly 14,000 units of donated blood every day to meet patient needs. Every year the Red Cross trains millions of people in first aid, water safety and other lifesaving skills and continues its work around the world to vaccinate all children and eradicate measles and rubella.
Los Angeles will be saluting the American Red Cross for 100 years of service to the people of Los Angeles through a number of city-wide efforts. LAX will be lighting the columns in red and white, along with the US Bank's Crown Tower in downtown LA. The Grand Park Fountain will go red for a period of March and The Grove and the Westfield Shopping Centers will also salute the American Red Cross. Beverly Hills will fly banners for the month of March along Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard and Manhattan Beach city officials, along with the Manhattan Beach Police Department and Manhattan Beach Fire Department will wear American Red Cross pins on their uniforms while the fire department has funded new red tee-shirts for their salute during the month.
As the culmination for the centennial year, the Red Cross will host the Humanitarian Ball at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on March 16. This prestigious, black-tie affair will highlight the American Red Cross Los Angeles in its full glory these past 100 years and welcome its commitment of 100 more years of service to the region.
In fiscal year 2016, the Los Angeles Region responded to 461 local emergencies, assisted 1509 military families and trained 35,387 people in lifesaving skills.
More information about the Humanitarian Ball or how people can support the organization is available on redcrossla.org. The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs.
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