On Monday, November 30, the Prince William American Red Cross officially concluded its 2009 Heroes Campaign at DAKS restaurant in Dale City.  DAKS hosted the luncheon and provided a special meal to almost 30 Red Cross “heroes” that came to celebrate the success of the campaign and the hard work and generosity of the individuals, businesses and organizations that made it possible.

The 2009 Prince William American Red Cross Heroes Campaign kicked off in September and was skillfully led by Neabsco Supervisor John D. Jenkins.   This is the 7th year of the campaign and it has been led by many caring community leaders such as Hal Parrish, Mary Beth Michos, Charles Colgan, Donna Snellings and Michele Saggese. It is always the first fundraiser of the fiscal year and is the largest fundraiser of the chapter. 

Locally, the Red Cross provides free assistance such as emergency housing, food, clothing and emotional support to victims 24-hours a day. The chapter also provides Services to Armed Forces, offers numerous lifesaving health and safety courses, international tracing service and facilitates blood collection for local hospitals.  The money raised by the annual Heroes campaign helps fund these services.

In September, more than 60 heroes and 23 cabinet members agreed to try to raise or donate a minimum of $1,000. Some did it in a unique fashion. For example, the largest fundraiser, ATA Martial Arts Systems coordinated a “break-a-thon” in October and raised almost $4,000.  September through November, Martha Jones of A Perfect Balance, offered members of local BNI groups,  a 60-90 minute QuickBooks set up and training in exchange for a $50 donation to the Red Cross and her Heroes campaign.  Jones, a certified QuickBooks Advance Pro Advisor, normally charges $65 per hour.  “So anyone taking me up on this gets a bargain, and the Red Cross gets the benefit!” she explained.  She raised more than $1,000.

Early in the luncheon program, Deborah Campbell, Red Cross Public Support Director, announced that although the campaign was officially ending, the group had already raised an estimated $57,000 in donations and pledges!  She and Jenkins encouraged each individual to see his or her fundraising to a successful completion and by doing so, “we can even surpass our overall goal of $60,000”.

Jenkins shared his “Red Cross story” and the important “immediate emergency assistance” role the Red Cross fills in the community that no other organization does.

After Jenkins finished with his general comments and overall appreciation of the groups efforts, each hero received a certificate of appreciation. Jenkins also presented a special plaque to Heroes cabinet member Bryanna Altman, Computer Doctor CEO, for her “exceptional commitment” to the Heroes Campaign.  Importantly, Ralph Smith, a member of the Red Cross board and chairman of the philanthropy committee, presented Jenkins and his wife Ernestine a special plaque for “outstanding leadership” and expressed his heartfelt appreciation for all the “Jenkins Team” has done for the Red Cross and the community. 

Near the end of the celebration luncheon, attendees heard a very exciting announcement; Mike Pybus and Amelia Stansell of BB&T surprised everyone by presenting a check for $3,000!  With that, the Prince William Red Cross Heroes Campaign will reach its goal!   The wonderful luncheon ended on a joyous note.

Ernestine and John Jenkins accept a special plaque in appreciation for their dedication to the success of the Red Cross Heroes Campaign.  Red Cross staff Deborah Campbell and board member and fellow hero Ralph Smith presented the award.

Bryanna Altman receives a special award for her exceptional commitment to the Heroes Campaign as a cabinet member.