VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR -- BETTY HENDRIX

Photo by Deborah Cannon, Austin American Statesman

 Our very own Betty Hendrix, volunteer extraordinaire, recently received the well deserved title of Volunteer of the Year from the Austin American Statesman.

Betty began volunteering with the American Red Cross in 1944, rolling bandages as part of the war effort.  Now more than 66 years later, her dedication to the American Red Cross has not waivered.  Betty currently serves as a family services caseworker and makes sure that families receive the services they need to recover from a disaster.  She has also been a mentor and an inspiration to many other American Red Cross volunteers and staff members.

We are so grateful to have a volunteer like Betty!  We simply could not provide the services that we do and fulfill our mission without the dedicated individuals that give so much of their time and expertise without asking for anything in return.

A special thank you to all of our volunteers -- YOU make this organization successful!

You can click here to see the full Austin American Statesman article.

AN AMERICAN RED CROSS VOLUNTEER

I had just moved to Austin in late December 2009 from Los Angeles and I didn't know a soul in the city. Just before moving here, I made a promise to myself that I wanted to do more in my community and also in my life. And being brand new to a city, I thought a great way to meet people was to get involved and volunteer.  I considered many options but I made my decision with the American Red Cross and was readily accepted. My duties on the first day were that of a phone receptionist. It was overwhelming to learn the various departments and where to direct the calls, but it was a welcomed challenge. At the end of the day I felt most fulfilled and decided this is where I wanted to be. That was February 2010. To date, I continue my weekly volunteering at the American Red Cross and I look forward to it every week. I enjoy the staff and the work that the American Red Cross is dedicated to. I believe strongly in giving back in the world and have seen first hand what a difference that can make. This past September, Tropical Storm Hermine disrupted the lives of many in Williamson County. My duties were in the area of Damage Assessment. It has been both a privilege and enlightening experience to be an American Red Cross volunteer. 

Sandy Villetti

Proud Volunteer

AMERICAN RED CROSS OF CENTRAL TEXAS BOARD MEMBER PASSES AWAY

On Wednesday, November 24 we received the tragic news that our friend and Red Cross volunteer Greg Coleman had died in a plane crash in Florida.  It was a stunning turn of events on the day before Thanksgiving.  Greg was piloting his plane to Florida with his mother in law, Charlene Black Miller and her brother, James Patrick Black as passengers.  The family was gathering in Florida for their annual Thanksgiving Day celebration.

Greg was an accomplished attorney with several successful appearances before the Supreme Court. He was Texas’ first Solicitor General.  He was also a devoted father and husband.  He had been a member of the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross of Central Texas since 2008.

On a personal note, I will always remember Greg as soft spoken but brilliant.  He said very little during most board meetings but when he did speak we all listened. 

Memorial contributions can be made in Greg’s memory to the American Red Cross of Central Texas, www.centex.redcross.org or to the Gregory S. Coleman Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Texas, School of Law.

Marty McKellips, CEO of the American Red Cross of Central Texas