Red Cross Gala to Support Disaster Budget Deficit

The evening is described as a “fabulous evening of romance” which includes wine, hors d’ oeuvres, silent & live auctions, dinner, live music, dancing.

Disaster Volunteers Scott A. Smith and Ken CrocketPhotos courtesy: Margaret Sanner/Willamette Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross

(SALEM, Ore.) - A record number of local disasters in the Marion and Polk Communities has increased the importance of the Red & White Gala fundraiser which supports local American Red Cross disaster responses.

The Willamette Chapter has spent over $50,000 responding to local house fires and weather related disasters since the beginning the current fiscal year on a budget of $47,800. With five months left in the fiscal year, the chapter is relying heavily on its Fifth Annual Red & White Gala fundraiser to raise desperately needed funds for the Local Disaster Relief Fund.

While the average number of responses has only risen slightly over the past few months, the size of families helped by the Red Cross has risen. Additionally many of the families helped have had greater needs with costly prescription medications and have suffered greater losses than in the recent past.

Executive Director, Karen Schultz points out that a high profile disaster like the recent flooding across Oregon and Washington captures the people’s attention quite a bit more than a single family fire. “To the family made homeless by a fire, it is a big deal, probably the most traumatic disaster they can imagine” says Schultz.

The Red Cross began holding the Red & White Gala fundraiser to supplement its growing disaster service budget five years ago. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, February 9th, 2008 at the Salem Conference Center. Tickets may be purchased on line at redcross-salem.org for $75 each.

The evening is described as a “fabulous evening of romance” which includes wine, hors d’ oeuvres, silent & live auctions, dinner, live music, dancing. Auction items range from jewelry to adventure getaways. “This is a perfect Valentine opportunity for an evening out and great gift ideas ~ all for the benefit of people trying to rebuild their lives. Members of our community have been generous in the past and we are in need of their support again”, said Schultz.

Additional information about the Gala can be found at redcross-salem.org or by calling 503-585-5414. The Red Cross is not a government agency and does not receive government funding for local services. Donations from local business partners like Holiday Retirement, Huggins Insurance and PT Northwest, as well as donations from the public, support services in Marion and Polk counties.