American Red Cross Celebrates its Past and Future at its National Convention During Red Cross Month

More than 1,200 American Red Cross employees and volunteers from chapters across the country will unite in Baltimore, Md., to celebrate past achievements and chart a course for the future at the organization’s 82nd national convention March 27-29. This event is the culmination of an active Red Cross Month during which its chapters and blood regions held special events, trainings or fundraisers to engage communities in supporting the organization through donations of time, money and blood.

“Our national convention is an opportunity to bring together the volunteers and employees of the American Red Cross to learn how we can better serve people in crisis,” said Mary S. Elcano, Acting President and CEO of the American Red Cross. “This year’s theme, Navigating the Future, reminds us that we must chart the right path forward so we can continue to perform the vital mission entrusted to the Red Cross by the American people – be it responding to a hurricane or a heart attack, a call for blood or a call for help.”

In 2007, the Red Cross provided food, shelter and comfort to the victims of more than 72,000 disasters, including the tragic bridge collapse in Minnesota, the devastating wildfires in California and the widespread tornadoes throughout the South. The Red Cross helped millions of people change and save lives through donating blood, preparing for disasters, serving our armed forces and their families, supporting the international mission of the Red Cross, and getting trained in lifesaving skills like CPR, first aid and water safety.

Throughout the three-day convention, attendees will share best practices in the areas of community partnerships, diversity and disaster preparedness, and will hear life-saving stories from outstanding volunteers and the people they helped. Keynote speakers include General Russel Honoré, who led the U.S. Army’s response efforts in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and former Washington Redskin and Hall of Fame inductee, Darrell Green, who will speak about his commitment to strengthening communities and promoting public service. Roy Spence, President and Founder of GSD&M’s Idea City, will discuss the development of the new advertising campaign, Change a Life, and debut the “Between Heart and Hands” brand essence video to convention attendees. The new advertising campaign can be viewed at www.redcross.org/advertising.

It is through the generosity of corporate sponsors that Red Cross employees and volunteers from across the country are able to gather and advance the organization’s humanitarian mission. Among the sponsors of this year’s national convention, State Farm is the leadership sponsor and FedEx Kinko’s, State Street Corporation, and StayWell are contributing sponsors.