PlungeFest 2012 - Starting a Tradition

With a cloudy sky and a chill in the air, the plungers took off full speed into the freezing cold water of Lake Chapman. Lifeguards from our very own Students for the American Red Cross (SARC) at the University of Georgia stood by as participants took the full plunge. After raising over $10,000 to benefit the American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter, Shelterbox and the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, plungers and spectators celebrated and cheered for all of the hard work that led up to this moment.

As soaked plungers made their way back to dry land, everyone clapped for the success of the event and began to walk up to the pavilion for a delicious lunch provided by Shane’s Rib Shack, a warm fireplace and good company. With music coming though the speakers, hot dogs cooking on the grill and hot chocolate waiting on the table, the pavilion was filled with the excitement of the first successful PlungeFest.

Among the brave plungers was Board Member Courtney Gale who says, “It was a great event that encouraged the socialization and interaction of several different hard working non-profits in the Athens area. The American Red Cross stood in unity with its director in order to fulfill its commitment and mission of providing services to citizens of East Georgia.”

With everyone gathered in the warmth of the pavilion, the event concluded with an awards ceremony in recognition of the great contributions that have been made to PlungeFest 2012. 

 

- Jessica Wu

SARC Raises Over $3000 in Letter Campaign

The Students of the American Red Cross at UGA recently participated in a fundraising campaign in an effort to support the East Georgia Chapter’s emergency services to families within its 14 county district. Members of the organization submitted addresses of their friends and family members. Then designated SARC representatives sent formal, typed letters to the given addresses, personalized with the name of each person.

The letters encouraged friends and family to donate money to the organization and help them reach their fundraising goals for the year. Although they didn’t quite make their goal, SARC was able to raise well over $3,000 with the letter-writing campaign. “We all had hoped for more,” said SARC advisor and Executive Director of the East Georgia Chapter, Jeff Taylor, “but based on the science it’s really quite good.” Eight students participated in gathering addresses and SARC members hope that even more students will participate next time. The letter campaign, along with other new fundraising initiatives from the SARC organization, has raised a total of $7,000 towards their $15,000 goal for the school year.

- Shelby Rudd

Recap: East Georgia Chapter's Show and Inspire Open House Tour

On Tuesday, September 20, 2011, the local East Georgia Chapter of The American Red Cross held its first Show and Inspire Open House Tour. Tour participants were able to get a first-hand perspective of what life looks like serving as an American Red Cross volunteer. Participants were also able to tour the chapter office and speak with veteran volunteers including Red Cross staff.  In addition, Mr. Jeff Taylor, Executive Director of the chapter, shared his first-hand experiences he has witnessed over the years serving not only as Executive Director but also as an ordinary citizen trying to make a difference in the lives of others confronted with unfortunate situations.

Mr. Jeff Taylor, Executive Director of The American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter

One of the tour’s key speakers was Ms. Dana Jenkins, a volunteer for the American Red Cross who selflessly donates her time to help the local chapter. Dana volunteers at the University of Georgia home football games. She is prepared to help out the Red Cross in any way she can--whether that’s giving CPR to another individual, taking care of someone who has become dehydrated or even assisting someone who has been bitten by mosquitoes!  Dana says she has had many different and unique roles on football Saturdays, but she would not change her experience for the world. “If you think you’re going to be able to watch the game, then you’ve been mislead,” says Dana. “We’re all here to work.”

Ms. Dana Jenkins, a Red Cross Football volunteer

Another highlight of the Show and Inspire Tour was Executive Director Jeff Taylor’s presentation about the Students for The American Red Cross (SARC). For the academic year of 2011-2012, SARC had an ambition of growing from a group of just 10 members to over 150 members. Within just one month, SARC has grown to over 60 active student volunteers! On behalf of the entire Red Cross staff, we are very excited about this upcoming year and anticipate nothing but the best from our university students. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to the chapter. (For more information, or if you are a student interested in becoming involved with SARC, please visit http://eastgeorgia.redcross.org/SARC.htm or e-mail sarc@uga.edu with any questions.)

At the end of the tour, guests were able to ask any questions they may have had as well as find out more ways in how to become involved with the Red Cross. Each tour participant learned exactly what it takes to volunteer some of their time to the organization. If you are interested in becoming more involved with the Red Cross East Georgia Chapter, please visit our website at http://eastgeorgiaredcoss.org or call (706)-353-1645.  

Were you unable to attend the open house? Here are some informative key facts from the afternoon:

• In the United States, there are over 500,000 volunteers who are trained to work with the American Red Cross.
• At the East Georgia Chapter alone, 8,500 citizens and residents of the local area were trained in life-saving skills in the year 2010.
• There are 650 Red Cross Community Chapters across the United States.
• Just this past month (September), 1,600 American Red Cross volunteers assisted and helped New York residents after Hurricane Irene.
• Did you know that the American Red Cross does not receive government assistance?
• The Red Cross is called upon for some of the most unique things. For example, Executive Director Jeff Taylor informed guests that Red Cross volunteers had to milk dairy cows in upper New York state!

Thank you to everyone who came to our open house tour. A BIG thank-you goes out to our chapter staff!

Guests enjoying refreshments and conversation in the Public Affairs Office

By: Helen Farmakis, Public Affairs Intern