One Year Anniversery of the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

Yesterday March 11th, 2012 marked the one year anniversary of the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

The American Red Cross has been working with the Japanese Red Cross, to help the hundreds of thousands of people injured and displaced by this terrible disaster.

Watch this video to learn what your American Red Cross has done and is continuing to do to help the Japanese people, made possible from all the generous donations made by you.

Utah Region Heroes Event 2012

It's that time again! Time for our American Red Cross Annual Heroes Event!

Our first Heroes event for the Greater Salt Lake Area is less than 2 weeks away!

What are the Heroes events?

The annual American Red Cross Heroes Luncheon is an occasion where influential community and business leaders throughout the Salt Lake area come together to celebrate and formally honor individuals within the community who reflect the mission of Red Cross. These “everyday heroes” responded in time of need with selfless acts of courage and compassion, or risked personal injury or significant personal sacrifices to help others in need. The American Red Cross sees these individuals as Heroes, whether they are police, firefighters, children, animals or everyday people.

For information head over to our website

Haiti Two Years Later

Tomorrow Marks two years since the devastating 7.0 mangitude quake hit Haiti.

Click here to learn what the American Red Cross has done and is continuing to do to help the people of Haiti.

Blood Donor Appreciation Month

January is Blood Donor Appreciation Month!

The American Red Cross wants to thank everyone who has donated blood and as a result helped thousands of people in need.

Never donated blood before? Why not start now! January is the time when blood donations are needed the most, since supplies of blood tend to dip due to fewer donations, but the number of people in need of blood is still great.

Click here to Find out the benefits of donating blood and the donation Process

100 Significant Dates in American Red Cross History

After years of research, the American Red Cross released a list of 100 significant dates in American Red Cross history . The Historical Resources Division staff compiled in consultation with members of the American Red Cross Museum Advisory Committee, local chapters, and blood regions.

Here are our top 10 favorites:

December 25, 1821 Clara Barton is born in New Oxford, Massachusetts.

May 21, 1881 Clara Barton & associates establish the American Red Cross.

26 April 14, 1912 Red Cross comes to aid of those who survived the sinking of the Titanic.

June 17, 1917 Red Cross holds first War Fund drive surpassing a goal of $100 million in one week.

February 4, 1941 Red Cross begins National Blood Donor Service to collect blood for the U.S. military with Dr. Charles R. Drew, formerly of the Plasma for Britain program, as medical director.

August 5, 1953 Red Cross aids Operation Big Switch exchange of POWs at end of Korea War hostilities.

October 8, 1965 Red Cross Movement adopts its Seven Fundamental Principles: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, & Universality.

February 4, 1991 Elizabeth Dole becomes first woman president of the Red Cross since Clara Barton.

September 11, 2001 Red Cross responds to terrorist attacks by airplane in New York, at the Pentagon, & in rural Pennsylvania.

February 7, 2002 Red Cross joins other groups to launch Measles Initiative, 5-year plan to eradicate the disease in sub-Saharan Africa by immunizing children.


You can view more significant dates by clicking HERE

Holiday Giving Catalog

Shop the 2011 Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog! 

1. Choose gifts to honor your friends and family. 

2. Announce your gifts with free greeting cards.  

 3. Know your gift will help people when they need it most.

Here are some FAQs about the Holiday Giving Catalog.

Happy Shopping :)

Question: What is the Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog?
Answer:The American Red Cross 2011 Holiday Giving Catalog offers people a chance to give something that means something and helps people in need. We believe that in this season of hope people want their gifts to really matter. Research shows that many people would prefer to receive a meaningful gift that would help someone else instead of a traditional holiday gift. We feel this gift catalog fills that need.

Question: What are the greeting cards like and how do they work?
Answer: Greeting cards from the Holiday Giving Catalog enable you to let friends and family know you've given a Red Cross gift in their name. During the catalog order process you can opt to receive a free greeting card and corresponding product insert for each product you purchase. The free greeting card and insert will be mailed to the gift purchaser. Greeting card options include either a printed greeting card with corresponding purchased product-specific insert or eCards which will be sent to the email address you provide. You will receive one printed greeting card and a corresponding product insert for each product you purchase.

Question: How is my donation spent?
Answer: The purchase of each gift item is a tax-deductible contribution to the overall mission of the American Red Cross. On the rare occasion when donations exceed the need in a particular area, we will use your contribution to help others where the need is greatest.

To shop the 2011 Holiday Giving Catalog click HERE 

Flu Season

 

Flu season is just around the corner.. 

The American Red Cross is encouraging everyone to get a flu shot in order to be protected throughout the season.

Here are some simple steps people can take to help prevent the spread of the flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
• Wash hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand-rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you’re sick. 

If you think you have the flu, your health-care provider should be consulted. Seek medical care immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Fast breathing, trouble breathing or bluish skin color.
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen (adults).
• Confusion or sudden dizziness.
• Not drinking enough fluids, not being able to eat, or severe or persistent vomiting.
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough.
• Not waking up, being so irritable that the child does not want to be held or not interacting (children).
• Fever with a rash (children).
• No tears when crying or significantly fewer wet diapers than normal (children).

Be Red Cross Ready- Flu Checklist 

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is just around the corner!

The American Red Cross wants to make sure you have a fun, spooky, and safe Halloween. 

Here are 13 Lucky Tips to insure a safe Halloween.

Shop our Red Cross Store to complete any Halloween costume. We have the safety essentials including glow sticks and lanterns.

For even more Halloween safety information watch American Red Cross Health and Safety expert Connie Harvey who provides tips on how to prepare your family for a safe Halloween night.

Happy Haunting! 

6 Months After

In the six months since the tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan, donations to the American Red have helped the Japanese Red Cross meet the emergency and longer-term needs of families living in evacuation centers and temporary housing.

The American Red Cross has contributed nearly $260 million to Japan’s recovery since the March 11 disaster.

Thank you to the many people who donated to the American Red Cross to help the disaster efforts in Japan.

Here is a message from the President of the Japanese Red Cross.

Second Annual Autumn Gourmet Gala

American Red Cross Guest Blogger:  Trina Polta


Prepare to temp your taste buds during the Second Annual Autumn Gourmet Gala.  The upcoming American Red Cross benefit event is scheduled to take place on October 6th from 6-9 PM. It will be a night of elegant food, drinks and an opportunity to bid your way into taking home some luxury custom packages.
   

Picture yourself taking a breather from your daily life.  You are gazing at beautiful mountain views from Earl's Lodge located at the Snowbasin Ski Resort, and indulging yourself by going out with the girls (or your special someone) on a week night! It's out of your daily routine, and you will surely ENJOY the excitement of it all.  Dare I say...let's just make it a kick off to a three day weekend.  Why not schedule Friday off of work? 

The premier restaurants looking forward to plating their signature edible art include Corbin's, Jasoh, Rooster's Brewing Company, Snowbasin Ski Resort, Tona, Zucca, MacCool's, Harley and Bucks, and Davis Hospital.  Tables of eight ($800) or individual tickets ($100) can be purchased by calling 801-625-0865.  One hundred percent of the proceeds will go directly to the American Red Cross.   

To purchase tickets as well as inquire about more event details, please contact Stephanie Christiansen by phone 801-625-0865.

   

Cupcakes

CUPCAKES!! 

Everyone is going crazy for this new trend including the American Red Cross. Last month Sprinkles Cupcakes in Los Angeles had a Red Cross cupcake week, all proceeds going to American Red Cross to benefit the 

Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Fund.

   Click HERE to view the Sprinkles website and the full story. 


Want to make your own Red Velvet Red Cross cupcakes?  I found a wonderful recipe from Paula Deen and the Food Network. Enjoy.. 

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting.. 

• 1 pound cream cheese, softened
• 2 sticks butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
• Chopped pecans and fresh raspberries or strawberries, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld electric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.

Garnish with chopped pecans and a fresh raspberry or strawberry.

Cook's Note: Frost the cupcakes with a butter knife or pipe it on with a big star tip.

Make them a Red Cross Cupcake to by adding the signature Red Cross!