Red Cross Holds Blood Drive at Rotary Meeting
April 21, 2009
By: Stephen Kent
Last Weeks Meeting - April 21, 2009
Rotarian George Shaw gives a pint
"It's not so much a matter of IF you'll need blood yourself, it's more likely WHEN you'll need blood". With that opening Lynn Henley, Donor Recruitment Manager for the American Red Cross Blood Services discussed the need for blood and the way the Red Cross answers that need. In the other room volunteers rolled up their sleeves and gave the gift of life.
The East Shoreline Chapter is celebrating it's 128th year in Michigan. Since the Great Fire of 1881 the Red Cross has been responding to emergency needs in Michigan. Last the East Shoreline Chapter responded to 924 local disasters in Bay, Arenac, Huron and Tuscola Counties.
Knows for disaster relief and blood programs, the Red Cross is equally involved in disaster training, health and human services, water safety training, armed forces emergency services, and community services.
The Great Lakes Blood Services Region began in 1949 and served Lansing, Petoskey, Flint, Muskegon, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Brooklyn and worked in concert with Detroit, Columbus and Toledo. Today, through 21 Chapters, Blood Services serves 70 Michigan hospitals in 65 counties. It sees a quarter million donors and is supported by 20,000 volunteers and 1,600 sponsors. The organization has 400 employees and 100 vehicles, which cover a million miles a year.
Lynn Henley - Donor Recruitment Mgr.
Henley noted that about 20% of local patients don't seek treatment in Bay County, which is consistent with national statistics. These patients go to larger hospitals, university hospitals and specialty hospitals. Blood Services collect blood anywhere people ask them to. They believe every agency should be supported. "I don't
care where you give... I care
that you give" said Henley.
The local East Shoreline Chapter is located at 228 Washington Ave and can be reached at (989) 892-1541. Rotarian Gena Gates serves as the Executive Director and Rotary District Governor Bob Chadwick is the current Chapter Chair. The web site is
www.redcross-esc.org
CLUB NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ron Fuller.
The club recognized member Ron Fuller on attaining his Paul Harris Fellow PLUS NINE! Ron joined the club in 1990 and served as editor of the Breezes for 10 years. For most of those years he maintained a 100% attendance record. Ron has been married to Jackie for 53 years. They have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Besides reaching the PH Plus 9 level for his contributions to the Rotary Foundation, Ron and Jackie have pledged to become major donors with gifts over the next 10 years. Thanks Ron for your years of service and your support of the Foundation.
The annual District Conference sponsored and co-hosted by the Bay City Club was held at the Doubletree on April 24 and 25. Reports were that the event was a great success.
DATES TO REMEMBER
The May 12 club meeting is going to be a "Baby Basics Shower" as part of the Rotary Year theme of "Make Dreams Real". Members will be asked to bring baby items (suggestions will be coming), or cash, which will be donated to local agencies.
The May 19 meeting has been scheduled to be held at the Pere Marquette Depot. This will be one of two annual off-site meetings called for in the club's strategic plan.
Golf Outing: Tim Holsworth is looking for sponsors for the annual golf outing, which is scheduled for June 1, 2009 at the Bay City Country Club. Covenant Health Care has signed on as the title sponsor. Bay Health has signed on as the cart sponsor.
International Night 2009 has been scheduled for October 15. The theme will be a Mediterranean Cruise.
Upcoming Programs
(See the official schedule at
RotaryBayCity.org )
April 28:
Michigan Lottery Commission
May 5:
10-Minute Rotarians
May 12:
Make Dreams Real "Baby Shower"
Dr. Kim Prime discusses poverty and the need for infant assistance. Donated items for infants; ie, diapers, formula, clothing, etc. are appreciated.
May 19:
Off-site meeting: Pere Marquette Depot
May is Historic Preservation month. Enjoy a box-lunch at the beautifully preserved Pere Marquette Train Depot and take a tour around the building
Visit
RotaryBayCity.org