Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 28, 2023) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is joining with Clark County to kick off American Red Cross Month with flash, as the 89 perimeter lights of the iconic sign, “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas,” turn red, Wednesday, March 1, at 2 p.m. to encourage all to donate, volunteer, give blood or take a lifesaving skills class.
During the 80th annual Red Cross Month celebration, chapters nationwide are honoring the staff and volunteers who carry out the Red Cross mission by helping people in need. “When emergencies strike, our volunteers are there to help families and individuals when it matters most,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter.
In fact, this past year in Southern Nevada, more than 500 Red Cross volunteers provided daily disaster relief, regular blood drives, and free safety and preparedness programs in the area, Flanigan said. “Our volunteers and staff responded to 269 home fires and helped 1,290 people in our communities last year,” she said. “And now we want to encourage more residents to turn their compassion into action by committing to give blood, donate, or volunteer during Red Cross Month and throughout the year.”
Communities across the country, including Clark County, benefit from the vital role the Red Cross plays in collecting and distributing blood for the national supply, said Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft, who will join members of the local chapter for a brief lighting ceremony at the sign on the Las Vegas Strip south of Russell Road on Wednesday at 2 p.m. “I am grateful to the Red Cross staff and volunteers who contribute to our community every day,” he said.
Red Cross Month began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first national Red Cross Month proclamation, recognizing those who give back through the American Red Cross. Every president since has issued the proclamation.
On March 22, you can also join our annual Red Cross Giving Day campaign by donating at redcross.org/givingday to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.
Give blood during Red Cross Month, get a reward
All who give blood, platelets, or plasma March 1-31, 2023, will receive a $10 Visa® Prepaid Card via email and be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 Visa Prepaid Card. There will be five lucky winners. Visit rcblood.org/help for details.
Become a Red Cross volunteer
The need for volunteers has never been greater as the country experiences larger and more intense disasters. Become a Red Cross volunteer to help families in need. We provide the training. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more.
About the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign
It was created in 1959 after the Clark County Commission approved funding for the project on what was then Highway 91. Western Electric Display, Inc. (aka “Western Neon,” purchased by YESCO in the 1960s), submitted the lowest qualified bid. The design, characteristic of the Googie architecture movement, was created by Betty Willis. The 25-foot-tall sign was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009, Clark County’s centennial year.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.