Top 25 Accomplishments of 2011
1 Total services delivered by volunteers and staff 2 Hurricane Irene response
3 Tropical Storm Lee flooding response 4 National spring storm response
5 Windermere apartment fire response 6 Red Cross House 7 Staff use CPR
to save a life at SEPA HQ 8 PhillyHomeFire campaign launches 9 Horse Therapy
saved 10 A multi-language National Preparedness Month 11 Red Cross Month
12 New CEO on board 13 Japan earthquake and tsunami response 14 QVC
Citizen CPR 15 Record breaking Red Ball 16 Spectrum/Twinkle Star 17 Red
Cross Clubs honored 18 Janice Lufkin wins Nightingale and Service Before
Self awards 19 Ginny Kremer wins Eagles QB award 20 Citizen of the Year
21 Redcross.org redesign 22 Smooth restructuring 23 Resiliency Academy
launched 24 Largest Holiday Mail for Heroes ever 25 Red Paw partnership
Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter
Top 25 Accomplishments of 2011
1 “When I woke up out of surgery, they were right there. They told
me they had a room available for me and my children and that
I didn’t have anything to worry about.”
Nadirah Braggs, RCH Client, 6ABC, July 12
Total services delivered by volunteers and staff... Our greatest accomplishment
this year is our entire body of work. Just like when a sports team wins a championship,
there are always many great achievements along the way, but ultimately, it’s the greater
good that is the greatest accomplishment of all. We responded to 760 disasters
(more than two a day), helping 3,482 people (1,136 families). We provided 1,979
services to the Armed Forces to 1,246 families and trained 108,941 people in lifesaving
techniques. Combined, our volunteers donated 481,270 hours of service. Most of
these services got little or no attention, but being able to respond to whomever and
whenever we are needed most is always our greatest accomplishment.
2 “I want to thank Judge Renée Cardwell Hughes and the great,
great effort of the team at the American Red Cross for doing
a spectacular job for us, both for individuals and their pets.”
Mayor Michael Nutter, August 28
Hurricane Irene response... SEPA Chapter played a lifesaving role before, during
and after Hurricane Irene. SEPA proactively got the message out about how to prepare
for Irene, including staffing a TV station phone bank to answer viewer questions on
being prepared for Irene. SEPA also set up 13 shelters in the city and four counties,
housing more than 300 people for up to 48 hours. In June, SEPA conducted a hurricane
sheltering exercise in Montgomery County that was very similar to the real thing two
months later, proving being prepared makes a big difference.
3 “I want to thank the Red Cross for coming into flood ravaged
areas of Pennsylvania. The Red Cross has been a valuable
partner and provided comfort to so many.”
PA Governor Tom Corbett, September 16
Tropical Storm Lee flooding response... As part two of a one-two tropical punch from
Mother Nature, SEPA set up shelters in Chester and Bucks counties following heavy
flooding in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Lee. SEPA also sent several volunteers to
assist in relief operations in Northeast Pennsylvania, which was hit hardest by Lee.
4 “Good luck to you and all your (Red Cross) colleagues doing
such incredible work in Joplin as you do everywhere in the country.”
MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell to SEPA staffer Dave Schrader, May 24
National spring storm response... 2011 was one of the worst years on record for
tornadoes. Hundreds of tornadoes struck the South and Midwest in April, May and
June. The Red Cross assisted more than 100,000 people following those storms. More
than 40 SEPA workers combined to spend more than a year helping those affected.
5 “As firefighters battled the five-alarm blaze, the Miller-Pierce
family was among the first to arrive at the temporary shelter
set up by the Red Cross, where Miller said the Red Cross
provided formula, diapers, wipes and bottles for the
baby, and money for clothing and personal needs.”
Dan Geringer, Philadelphia Daily News, January 12
Windermere apartment fire response... A fire on January 10 at the Windermere
Apartments in West Philadelphia turned out to be one of the largest fire responses
for SEPA in years. 118 people received financial assistance. About 20 people spent
the night at a shelter at Alain Locke School as a snowstorm approached.
2
6 “I’ve always appreciated and respected the work of the Red Cross,
but never more than I do today after seeing this facility that actually takes
people in from a disaster and helps them keep their self-worth and dignity.”
PA State Rep. Karen Boback, August 2
Red Cross House... Red Cross House remained the crown jewel of SEPA Chapter
in 2011. In the year, RCH housed 328 families, 983 people. RCH also celebrated
its 3,000th day of operation and played host to another week-long Camp Save a
Life. Also this year, SEPA took a giant leap forward toward getting Red Cross
House endowed, thanks to a generous $500,000 donation from PECO. SEPA
expects PECO’s gift to be a springboard to get other corporations to make sizable
contributions to ensure the long-term health and work of Red Cross House.
7 “My mother is very happy and healthy and enjoying life. Not a day goes by
that I do not think about the incident and thank God that it all happened at
the premises of the Red Cross. If it happened anywhere else, I am sure that
my mother would not be alive today. We are very appreciative of the love and
support that was shown to my mother and our family by the Red Cross.”
Tamika Thwaites, daughter of Elaine Hardy Thwaites, September 26
Staff uses CPR to save a life at SEPA HQ... On Saturday, April 23, Elaine Hardy
Thwaites collapsed and went into cardiac arrest while attending a CPR/AED class
in the 4th floor training room at the SEPA Chapter’s 23rd and Chestnut Street
headquarters. Four SEPA employees acted quickly to perform CPR and use the
AED to save Elaine’s life. They reunited at SEPA’s Celebration of Volunteers event.
All four heroic SEPA staffers have been recognized by the national American Red
Cross and President Obama.
8 “I want you to know, that when we (fire department) make the call to help
a family displaced by a fire, the Red Cross always answers that call.”
Lloyd Ayers, Philadelphia Fire Commissioner, November 10
PhillyHomeFire campaign launches... This year, SEPA Chapter launched its largest
multimedia fundraising and awareness campaign. Philly Home Fire sets out to ensure
that families that need our help can get it. As part of the campaign, we ask the question,
“What Now?” following a house fire. The answer is the American Red Cross of
Southeastern Pennsylvania. The campaign includes radio and TV PSAs, recreated
fire scenes on display at various locations throughout the city and photos of celebrities
with Philly ties wearing Red Cross disaster blankets as a show of support.
9 “Right now, the (Horse therapy) program is funded by the Department
of Defense, but that grant runs out at the end of the month. The local
Red Cross is hoping donations from people and businesses in the
community will help keep horse therapy for veterans going.”
Ali Gorman, 6ABC, June 14
Horse therapy saved... A defense department grant funding a horse therapy
program to help local wounded veterans was scheduled to end on June 30th.
The program was saved after several people came forward with donations after a
story aired on a local newscast.
10 “At Target, we are committed to supporting disaster preparedness.
We partner with federal, state and local agencies to help communities
prepare for disasters and we are excited to work with Mayor Nutter
and the American Red Cross to help Philadelphia be prepared.”
John Griffin, Target, September 10
A multi-language National Preparedness Month... SEPA partnered with Target, The
Star Group, and the Philadelphia Housing Authority to create a series of events and
messages to make sure Philadelphia area residents are prepared for any emergency.
Events included a kickoff featuring Mayor Nutter and Red Cross Club students assembling
preparedness kits, social media tips of the day and for the first time, a series of public
service announcements in English, Spanish and Chinese that appeared in the Metro,
Chinese Metro, and Al-Dia newspapers to help reach the many diverse communities
the Red Cross serves.
3
11 “Philadelphia City Council honored the great work of the
Southeastern PA Chapter of the American Red Cross today at
City Hall, recognizing its superior work within the community.”
6ABC, March 26
Red Cross Month... In honor of the 69th March is Red Cross Month, 50 flags lined
the streets of Center City and 25 in downtown Media. More than a half dozen buildings
and landmarks around the city, including the Cira Centre, PECO building, and the
Ben Franklin Bridge, were lit up in red to mark our service. SEPA also hosted its
signature events, including the Red Ball, CPR Saturday, Help Can’t Wait Awards
and the Red Cross Walk and Run to Save Lives.
12 “It was May 17, Hughes’ second day on the job and she was busy
touring Red Cross House, an eight year old shelter for displaced
families at 40th Street and Powelton Avenue in West Philadelphia.
There was staff to meet and data to be absorbed about a facility
Hughes had already decided to make a focus of her fundraising.”
Joseph Slobodzian, Philadelphia Inquirer, May 26
New CEO on board... After an exhaustive eight-month search, SEPA chapter
welcomed its newest permanent Chief Executive Officer, Judge Renée Cardwell
Hughes. Hughes spent more than 15 years as a Common Please Court judge before
retiring to officially become SEPA’s CEO on May 16th.
13 “It is tragic to see how this catastrophe has devastated so many
lives and ravaged a country. So many of our employees are anxious
to help and we know this support will aid the Red Cross relief work.”
Jamie Maguire, Philadelphia Insurance Companies CEO, March 15
Japan earthquake and tsunami response... SEPA primarily helped in two ways
following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan: fundraising and connecting family
members in the Philadelphia area to loved ones in Japan. SEPA, in conjunction with
the International Committee of the Red Cross, gave people in the Philadelphia area
the opportunity to check the status of loved ones in Japan by opening a Family Links
Center at SEPA headquarters. SEPA also raised more than $2 million for Japanese
earthquake and tsunami relief.
14 “It was just so simple and easy. It took only 10 minutes to learn how to
do a compression, so in case someone did collapse, I knew what to do.”
Nancy Hornback, QVC Host on 6ABC, March 31
QVC Citizen CPR... For the first time, SEPA taught “Citizen CPR,” or hands-only
CPR, to the general public as part of an initiative to teach five million people the skill
in one year. SEPA kicked off its training at QVC’s headquarters in West Chester,
teaching “Citizens CPR” to more than 500 QVC employees.
15 “I am such a lucky foodie to be able to attend this event - I look forward to
it all year. In my opinion, it’s one of the best culinary events in Philadelphia,
and it’s all for a great cause. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show.”
Tasha Pittser, Housewife Diaries blog, March 8, 2011
Record breaking Red Ball... More than 1,100 guests attended the 12th annual Red
Ball presented by ModSpace at the Please Touch Museum. The Red Ball raised
$285,000, the most ever for any SEPA Chapter single-day event. Guests sampled
culinary delights prepared by Philadelphia’s hottest chefs and for the second year got
the chance to vote for their favorite restaurant. This year’s restaurant winner was The
Bistro at Our Town in Exton, PA. Dana Herbert of Desserts by Dana and winner of
TLC’s” Next Great Baker,” presented the award.
4
16 “One winner was Abraham Lincoln High School senior Sara
Abdulrasool, who emigrated from Iraq just two years ago. ‘I wanted
to go to college and study international relations,’ she said today. She
also wants to continue her work with the American Red Cross.”
Michelle Durham, KYW Newsradio 1060, November 3
Spectrum/Twinkle Star... High school seniors Sara Abdulrasool and Sabrina Blake
became the first dual Twinkle Star scholarship recipients in the 18-year history of the
Spectrum Awards Lynn Hardy Yeakel of Drexel, Urban League CEO Patricia Coulter
and Donna Allie of Team Clean also received awards, which honor women who have
achieved great things in Philadelphia.
17 “The Red Cross Clubs of Southeastern Pennsylvania are hereby recognized
for the exemplary contribution they have made to expanding the skills, knowledge
and horizons of the students of the School District of Philadelphia.”
Philadelphia School Reform Commission Citation, May 11
Red Cross Clubs honored... The Philadelphia School Reform Commission honored
the SEPA Chapter’s Red Cross Clubs with a proclamation during a special ceremony
in June. In addition, the RCC was recognized as the Youth Philanthropy Organization
of the Year for helping to raise tens of thousands of dollars for Japan earthquake and
tsunami relief. This year, 519 Club members in 17 schools trained nearly 2,500 fellow
students to be trainers in fire safety, CPR and First Aid, disaster preparedness, AIDS
awareness and prevention and babysitting. Those 2,500 students then taught those
skills to an additional 8,200 students.
18 “[Janice and] all these Red Cross nurse volunteers have
helped bring food, shelter, comfort, and hope during countless
large and small disasters. They have worked tirelessly to teach people
what they should do before, during, and after an emergency”
Vivian Littlefield, American Red Cross National Chair of Nursing, June 27
Janice Lufkin wins Nightingale and Service Before Self awards... Janice
Lufkin, of Abington, Pa., was one of only four American nurses and one of only 39
nurses representing 18 countries worldwide, to receive the prestigious Florence
Nightingale Medal during a ceremony at the American Red Cross Headquarters in
Washington, DC. The Florence Nightingale Medal is presented by the International
Committee of the Red Cross and is considered to be the highest international
award bestowed to nurses.
19 “Everyone at the Philadelphia Eagles understands the importance of giving
back to the community in which we all live, work and play. We are proud to
honor such amazing individuals who exemplify leadership, dedication and
a commitment to improving the community through volunteerism.”
Eagles Owners Christina and Jeffery Lurie, May 18
Ginny Kremer wins Eagles QB Award... Ginny Kremer, co-captain of the Eastern
Montgomery County Disaster Action Team and an advocate for both people and
animals caught up in disasters was one of only 10 people from our region named as
a finalist for the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles Community Quarterback Award. She was
presented her award during a ceremony at the NovaCare Complex in May. The SEPA
Chapter received $11,000 in Ginny’s name from the Eagles organization.
20 “I want to personally thank everyone here for supporting the American Red
Cross, truly one of the nation’s great non-profit organizations. You couldn’t
have chosen a more deserving Citizen of the Year than Mayor Michael Nutter.”
Nicholas DeBenedictis, Aqua America CEO, June 2
Citizen of the Year... In its 29th year, SEPA selected Philadelphia Mayor Michael
Nutter as its 2011 Citizen of the Year for his strong support of Red Cross disaster
preparedness, response and recovery efforts. Mayor Nutter regularly attends Red
Cross events and encourages residents to volunteer their time and donate their
money to the American Red Cross before, during and after disasters. His fire and
police commissioners are also members of SEPA’s board of directors.
5
21 “The traits that needed to be consistent in the lead chapters included a
history of innovative thinking, a commitment to excellence, and perseverance
in the face of challenges The employees and volunteers of the Southeastern
Pennsylvania Chapter exhibited all of these traits, and we look forward to
continuing to work with them to develop the new Redcross.org.”
Greg Haines, Director of Digital Engagement, American National Red Cross
Redcross.org redesign... The American National Red Cross is updating its brand
by creating a new logo and redesigning its entire website. SEPA Chapter is one
of only 10 chapters nationwide selected to play a key role in what the site will look
like, what features it will include, how users can interact with it and what content
chapters can contribute.
22 “Family Service looks forward to working closely with Red Cross leadership,
the staff of the shelter, and the community to ensure a smooth transition.”
Family Service Association CEO Audrey J. Tucker, November 14
Smooth restructuring... As part of the efforts of the American Red Cross to improve
service, increase efficiency and make better use of donor dollars, the Chester Wallingford
and Lower Bucks County chapters became part of SEPA. The transition, including
the transfer of ownership of the Lower Bucks homeless shelter to Family Service
Association, went very well with no interruption in services to the general public.
23 “We know that the future of the non-profit sector is its people. So
by equipping our current leaders with this training, we’re ensuring the
long-term viability of the human services sector in this community.”
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania president and CEO Jill M. Michal, November 7
Resiliency Academy launched... Red Cross SEPA and the United Way of Southeastern
Pennsylvania teamed up to create the first ever Resiliency Academy, offering a series
of workshops. Done in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security, it
focused on nonprofit organizations, designed to help improve the region’s readiness
and response to a potential major catastrophe.
24 “It’s an honor to be a part of the Holiday Mail for Heroes program.
The brave men and women who serve our country deserve our
utmost gratitude and heartfelt sentiments, especially during the
holiday season when they are far from home.”
Singer, Michael W. Smith, November 3
Largest Holiday Mail for Heroes ever... More than a million holiday cards made their
way to U.S. service members, veterans and their loved ones worldwide through the
American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program. SEPA joined forces with US
Airways and Simon Malls to host more than 30 card collection sites around the region,
collecting and delivering nearly 5,000 of the one million cards collected nationwide.
25 “Red Paw works in conjunction with the Red Cross of Southeastern
Pennsylvania and bills themselves as “Red Cross for Animals.” Red
Paw aims to assist in recovering pets after disasters.”
Tara Murtha, Philadelphia Weekly, August 31
Red Paw partnership... Red Paw’s partnership with SEPA officially launched this
year and has quickly become one of SEPA’s great civic partnerships. Red Paw is the
creation of Red Cross volunteer Jen Leary, and the two organizations work closely to
make sure pets are cared for in the aftermath of a home fire or other disaster.
6