2010 SWIM-A-CROSS A SUCCESS

The 2010 Swim-A-Cross season was a huge success.  More than $7,000 was raised to support the mission of the American Red Cross of Central Texas and raise money for the local swim teams who participated.  

Thank you 2010 Swimmers!

Anderson Mill Barracudas

Balcones Woods Blue Wave

Canyon Creek Cyclones

City of Austin Neighborhood Swim Team Program

Forest North Stingrays

Travis Country Sharks

Lakeway Lakers

Special thanks to the following in-kind donors who supported Swim-A-Cross this year:

SOUTH AUSTIN APARTMENT FIRE DISPLACES 40 RESIDENTS

In the early morning hours of Sunday, August 29, residents of the Bainbridge Villas in South Austin fled from their homes as fire engulfed the apartment building.  The American Red Cross of Central Texas was at the scene and helped the approximately 40 residents who had been displaced find shelter, food and clothing.  The apartment complex management and the Red Cross worked together to ensure that everyone affected had a place to stay, either with family members or in vacant units at the complex.  Our fantastic Disaster Team volunteers also talked with each victim and provided money for food and clothing.

The best way to help victims of disasters such as these is to donate your time as a volunteer or donate financially.  Information about volunteering and ways to donate can be found on our website www.centex.redcross.org.

AN INSTRUCTORS NOTE

We recently recieved the following email from one of our American Red Cross of Central Texas instructors:

I have had a wonderful summer teaching swimming to students, scouts and children with varying degrees of disablilites. Teaching students with challenges is very rewarding for me, them, and for their families. I had five children with Down's Syndrome this summer who were exceptional. They start lessons inhibited, disruptive, loud and uncomfortable. As the week progresses they are so proud of each and every skill they learn. They are loving as they learn to trust me, willing to try new things, and, most of all, demanding to swim again and again. Most of the time I mainstream these children with other students or siblings who encourage each other. At the end of lessons, they get a button (frog, turtle, duck) to sew on their bathing suit or towel and a sucker as a reward.  I get the satisfaction from knowing that these special children learned something new and their families are amazed with their progress. I learned many many years ago when I began as a Red Cross volunteer, we always help those in need with love and care.  All people, especially children, need to learn to swim and be safe in and around water.  Please see that your children get instructions for water safety.

AMERICAN RED CROSS OF CENTRAL TEXAS RESPONDS TO BRUSH FIRE IN BASTROP COUNTY

At 4:00 pm, the American Red Cross of Central Texas was notified by the Bastrop County Sheriffs department to provide canteen services for a brush fire off of FM 2336 and Oak Hill Cemetery Road. Over 200 acres were affected and 65 emergency responders were on the scene. The American Red Cross of Central Texas Mass Care Action Team was activated and responded within an hour. Billy's Pit BBQ donated meals for all the responders

ONE WORLD AND RED CROSS OF CENTRAL TEXAS TEAM UP FOR MILITARY CHILDREN

One World Theatre along with Lifesize and the Red Cross of Central Texas held a week long camp for 50 military service children ranging in ages from 4 to 15 years old from across Texas. The week was filled with fun activities and rehearsals for the grand finale show: a rendition of the Wizard of Oz. Deployed service members in Iraq and Afghanistan were able to watch their children perform via network connections. After the play , service members in Iraq and Afghanistan were able to watch their families one on one providing an emotional, yet uplifting, end to fun filled week. 

VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF RECEIVE AWARDS

Back from their month-long deployment, Fred and Marcia Marks, the American Red Cross of Central Texas Volunteers of the Year, finally received their award.  Following their tireless efforts to assist flooding victims in South Texas, the Marks were presented with their award by Chief Executive Officer Marty McKellips upon their return.  Everyone at the chapter is grateful for the determination and hard work the Marks put into their relief efforts, and we all welcome them back home.

 Fred and Marcia Marks holding their award alongside chapter executive Marty McKellips

This past week the chapter also recognized outstanding volunteers and staff.  Rhonda Usener of accounting was recognized for reaching her thirty-fifth year of service to the American Red Cross.  Emergency Services Director Jose Dominguez and volunteer client caseworker Betty Hendrix were recognized for their outstanding commitment to mission fulfillment and will serve as the chapter's nominees for the National Red Cross Presidential Award for Excellence.

Presidential Award for Excellence nominee Betty Hendrix and Marty McKellips

Emergency Services Director & Presidential Award for Excellence nominee Jose Dominguez and Marty McKellips

AREA STUDENTS HELP HOMELESS VETERANS

Grace Speaks, along with her classmates in the 5th grade leadership program at Riverplace Elementary in Austin worked together to create toiletry packages for homeless veterans.  Distributed through the American Red Cross of Central Texas Totes of Hope program, the packages will help former soldiers by providing nonperishable food, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and other daily necessities.  The students conducted a toiletry drive as part of a community service and leadership exercise designed to improve their local community.

Chief Development Officer Debbie Immel with Grace Speaks of Riverplace Elementary