READY.SET.RED!

We hope your first month of 2011 has been going well!  The close of January means the Ready. Set. Red! Cross City Challenge is just around the corner—woo-hoo!

Our excitement makes us want to sing, so we’re planning on doing just that.  Drum roll please….introducing  our latest challenge activity, Red Hot Karaoke! How many songs can you think of that have the word “fire” in them? Feel free to post your responses below and we may just work in your favorite songs! We’ll have a list of songs for you to choose from, all of which contain keywords associated with disasters. You don’t need to have an American Idol-worthy voice to participate; you just need to karaoke along to a song of your choice to earn points! 

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As you may have read in our blog last week, each week we’ll be giving away clues that will help you out throughout the March 5^th Ready. Set. Red! Cross City Challenge. So pay close attention because these facts can help you can get a leg up on your competition!

This week’s fact: Not only does the American Red Cross intervene during disasters, but they also comfort victims post-disaster. The American Red Cross offers personal and family counseling to cope with disaster-related trauma. 

What some don’t realize is that the aftermath can be just as intense as the disaster itself. Whether or not you’ve personally been impacted, we all know people near and dear to us who have experienced disasters. Without the help of the American Red Cross, the residual damages could be even more severe and the victims would not have the much needed support.

Support your central Texas American Red Cross, find out all the details for the Ready. Set. Red! Cross City Challenge here and form your team today! Your participation in the Ready. Set. Red! Cross City Challenge means more members of your community can get help when they need it most.

READY.SET.RED!

The 2011 Ready. Set. Red! Cross City Challenge benefiting the American Red Cross of Central Texas is proud to unveil our blog! The committee is pumped for the event on March 5^th and we want to share updates and information with you along the way.

Haven’t heard of the Cross City Challenge yet? We’re transforming downtown Austin into a playground of obstacle courses and fun activities to benefit the American Red Cross of Central Texas. Team up with your friends, family, and co-workers to compete in games across the city, win prizes, and learn disaster coping techniques.

Similar to how the Red Cross is prepared for every kind of disaster, we want to prepare YOU for the challenge and give you a winning edge. Check back with us on this blog each week to learn one new fact about the American Red Cross. Each fact you learn will earn you more points on the day of the event—and can save lives!

Bonus points and prizes? Check.

Saving lives? Double check.

Can you think of a better way to spend a day?

Find out all the details for the Ready. Set. Red! Cross City Challenge here and build your team today!

HAITI ONE YEAR LATER

Read about how the Red Cross is helping in Haiti one year after the tragic earthquake hit. 

AMERICAN RED CROSS OF CENTRAL TEXAS RESPONDS TO HIGH RISE FIRE

Late Monday night, January 3rd, your American Red Cross of Central Texas was called to a high rise fire at 1801 Lavaca. When our volunteers arrived at the Cambridge Apartments, the Austin Fire Department were  was still trying to contain the fire. Our Red Cross volunteers instantly dove into action, providing blankets, comfort kits, and a listening ear to those affected. Nearly 100 residents waited in the first floor lobby while AFD investigated the cause of the fire and decided who would be able to return to their apartments.  

Our Emergency Response Vehicle was deployed to the scene, and residents and emergency responders alike were given water and snacks. A great thank you to Carole Leandra, Ricky Boyd, Tom Halgash, Larry Baker, Kevin McCoy, Sandy McCoy, and Bill Dorman. As always, the Red Cross could not do what we do without outstanding volunteers like them!