Mayor Proclaims March as "Red Cross Month" in New York City

Mayor Michael Bloomberg today celebrated the Centennial Anniversary of the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) and presented Debra Dean, a disaster volunteer, with a proclamation marking March as "Red Cross Month." An exemplary volunteer and a native New Yorker, Ms. Dean began volunteering after September 11th and has since then become a permanent volunteer committed to the Red Cross and its mission. Joining the Mayor at the reception held this evening at Gracie Mansion were President of Ogilvy & Mathers New York and Chairman of the ARC/GNY Board of Trustees, William Gray, Theresa Bischoff, CEO of ARC/GNY and President & CEO of Wellchoice, Inc., Dr. Michael Stocker.

"Every time in the last 100 years that New Yorkers have been in serious or sudden need of help, the American Red Cross has been there," said Mayor Bloomberg. "As the premier organization in our community that responds to disasters, prepares people for emergencies, and helps rebuild lives after a crisis, it is my honor to thank the American Red Cross in Greater New York on its 100th Anniversary."

"On behalf of the thousands of volunteers and employees of the American Red Cross in Greater New York, I would like to thank Mayor Bloomberg for recognizing our organization and the important work it does," said Theresa Bischoff, CEO of the American Red Cross in Greater New York. "The role of the American Red Cross is vital to the millions of New Yorkers we help every year through our essential services."

"I want to commend our city partners with whom we work so closely every day -- the Office of Emergency Management, the Fire Department, the Police Department, the Department of Housing, Preservation and Development, and the Department of Health," said William Gray. "With our partner agencies, we respond to an average of eight fires and emergencies every day. We are proud to assist these agencies and to be a continuum of service."

As part of its yearlong centennial celebration, the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) is marking the year with several special events in 2005 including ceremonies in the outerboroughs and Rockland, Sullivan, Putnam and Orange counties.

The American Red Cross helps people avoid, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We also help them rebuild their lives after an emergency. The American Red Cross in Greater New York responds to an average of eight emergencies a day such as fires, water main breaks and building collapses. The Red Cross also offers a variety of health and safety courses on such subjects as First Aid and Adult and Child CPR. For more information, call 1-877 RED-CROSS or visit www.nyredcross.org.