Media Contact: Ashley Henyan

Telephone: 843-571-8945 Ashley.Henyan@redcross.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Red Cross Month kicks off with support from Peterson Companies to honor local heroes

Join the annual celebration by donating on Red Cross Giving Day (March 27), giving blood, volunteering or taking a lifesaving skills course

Washington, DC, February 29, 2024 — The American Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region is kicking off its annual Red Cross Month celebration in March to honor local community heroes who help ensure their neighbors have access to lifesaving blood products and never have to face a crisis alone.

Red Cross Month is a national tradition that began in March 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation — and each U.S. president has followed, with numerous state and local jurisdictions also joining in. Locally, the Red Cross has partnered with Peterson Companies, one of the region’s largest privately-owned real estate developers, to highlight the humanitarian spirit derived from people helping people. Throughout March, Be HUMANitarian, Become the Red Cross signage will be displayed at Peterson Companies mixed-use destinations across the DMV—including on the jumbotron at National Harbor and at Downtown Silver Spring, Fairfax Corner, and Rio. The Capital Wheel at National Harbor will also be lit red the last week of the March, coinciding with Red Cross Giving Day on March 27th. On that day, the properties also plan to encourage community members to harness their inner hero by encouraging everyone to get involved with the Red Cross via their social media channels.

“During Red Cross Month, we are proud to honor the people in our community who step up to support one another,” said Dale Kunce, CEO for the Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region. “I encourage anyone interested in exploring their humanitarian spirit to visit RedCross.org/ncgc for various ways to get involved with our Red Cross team.”

Join the Red Cross Month celebration by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, give blood or platelets, become a volunteer or take a lifesaving skills course. Those who donate at redcross.org/givingday on March 27 will be part of the 10th annual Red Cross Giving Day, which aims to rally 30,000 supporters nationwide to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.

HELP CAN’T WAIT WHEN EMERGENCIES STRIKE Volunteers comprise 90% of the national Red Cross workforce to power its lifesaving mission, along with generous blood, platelet and financial donors; people trained in skills like first aid and CPR; and other supporters. In 2023 alone, Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region volunteers helped more than 2,100 families after local emergencies, like home fires.

HELP KEEP THE BLOOD SUPPLY HEALTHY As we approach the final weeks of winter, the public is urged to book a time to donate blood or platelets now as we continue to strengthen the blood supply heading into spring. Much like pets provide comfort and support, so does the Red Cross in local communities. As a thank-you for providing comfort during Red Cross Month, all come to give blood or platelets March 1-24 will get a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of choice, plus automatically be entered for a chance to win a $3,000 gift card. There will be five winners. See rcblood.org/Pets for details.

To find a blood donation opportunity near you, enter your zip code at RedCrossBlood.org.

About Peterson Companies:

As one of the largest privately-owned real estate development companies in the DC region, Peterson Companies consistently delivers some of the area’s most exciting mixed-use retail, residential and commercial destinations. Over the past 59 years, Peterson Companies has created such exceptional landmarks as National Harbor, Downtown Silver Spring, Fair Lakes, and Fairfax Corner. With a proven ability to move quickly on opportunities to reshape and enhance local communities, the company creates vibrant residential and business districts that benefit all who live and work in our region. For more information about Peterson Companies, please visit www.petersoncos.com.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

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