Greater New York Chapter volunteer and disaster coordinator Lawrence Rivera addresses guests at the Reality Bites Café during a Red Cross Here and Now event in Rockland County.

Reality Bites Café of Nyack, New York, was the setting for Rockland County's American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) Here and Now program on March 27th. Patti Aagaard, Reality Bites owner and a Red Cross Rockland Advisory Board Member, closed her restaurant to the public and hosted a luncheon which introduced ARC/GNY's programs and services - including lifesaving classes, preparedness programs and volunteer opportunities – to more than thirty guests.

Rockland Advisory Board Chairman Matt Rand introduced Theresa Bischoff, ARC/GNY Chief Executive Officer, who spoke of the Red Cross mission to help people prepare for and respond to emergencies, as well as to provide immediate humanitarian aid to those affected by disaster. Olivier Szlos, ARC/GNY Senior Director Community Development, talked about the tools the Red Cross provides to empower and ready individuals, families and businesses in the eventuality of a disaster. And Red Cross volunteer and disaster coordinator Lawrence V. Rivera discussed the rewards of serving and how Rockland volunteers help their neighbors during emergencies.

Finally, Suzie Devoe shared her moving story of escaping from a burning building while nine months pregnant. During this tragic fire, a man lost his life. Red Cross responders would not leave Ms. Devoe’s side until her emergency needs were met; she gave birth a week later.

If you would like to host a Red Cross Here and Now, please contact the Rockland office in Nyack at 845-358-0833.

To learn more about the American Red Cross in Greater New York, please visit www.nyredcross.org.