Photo L to R: Deborah Agenjo (American Red Cross on Long Island), Vanessa Goicochea (American Red Cross on Long Island), Robert De Jesus (American Red Cross on Long Island), Dr. Azad Anand (American Red Cross on Long Island), Bill Macchione (American Red Cross on Long Island), Frank Palma (American Red Cross on Long Island), Neela Lockel (CEO, American Red Cross on Long Island), Arvind Vora (American Red Cross on Long Island) and Steve Bellone (Suffolk County Executive).

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone joined Red Cross volunteers, employees and partners for a flag raising ceremony on Tuesday April 4, 2017 to kick off Countdown to 100, the centennial anniversary celebration of the Long Island Red Cross.

Over these next two and a half months, the Long Island Red Cross will celebrate the organization’s rich history serving communities across Nassau and Suffolk counties and highlight the contributions of Long Island heroes.

Countdown to 100 will culminate with the Red Cross Red and White Dinner Dance on June 15, 2017 and with the centennial anniversary of the Long Island Red Cross on June 22, 2017.

“Since the founding of our first Long Island Chapter in 1917, Red Cross volunteers have represented the best of Long Island,” said Neela Lockel, CEO, American Red Cross on Long Island. “Their commitment to helping alleviate suffering and save lives has been awe inspiring.”

“Today is a special day because we stand together as we recognize the tremendous support and services that the American Red Cross provides to our residents over the last 100 years,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.

Initially founded to address the humanitarian needs stemming from World War 1, the last 100 years has seen the Red Cross offer compassionate relief where it was needed most. A few notable disaster responses for the organization on LI since 1917 include the Great New England Hurricane (aka The Long Island Express) of 1938; the 1995 Pine Barrens fire; the tragic 1996 TWA flight 800; the attacks of 9/11, Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

Today in Long Island, the Red Cross team of 1000+ volunteers deliver emergency relief to hundreds of residents affected by more than 200 local floods, fires, blizzards, plane crashes and other incidents every year.

The Red Cross also helps make Nassau and Suffolk County communities safer and more resilient. In 2016 the organization installed thousands of free smoke alarms in area homes; they taught skills like CPR, water safety and first aid to tens of thousands of LIers; and they empowered countless local families with vital disaster preparedness skills. The Red Cross also collects lifesaving blood locally and supports Long Island service members and their families every year.

During the Red Cross Countdown to 100, help celebrate Long Island heroes and their century of service by:

Learn more about the Red Cross history on Long Island and how you can join their mission, visit www.redcross.org/li100.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @LIRedCross.