Volunteer Sally Phipps welcomes guests to the Chapter’s “Great Things Every Day” 2007 Fund Raising Breakfast. (Photo: Larry Geiger)

The Chapter's "Great Things Every Day” 2007 Fund Raising Breakfast held at Manhattan"s Grand Hyatt Hotel on Thursday May 10 was a resounding success, raising $705,000 for vital preparedness programs and response services. More than 250 guests viewed a short video presentation, “Always There,” that featured volunteers, employees and clients talking about how the Chapter helps New Yorkers every day.

Julio Peña, a recent recipient of Red Cross services, gave a stirring talk about how being helped by Chapter volunteers and employees after a devastating fire in his home inspired him to become a volunteer himself.

Guests also heard heartfelt talks by Jermaine Brown, a recipient of Red Cross services, and by former board member Frank Petrilli, who urged the audience to participate generously.