Published: June 25, 2008 08:08 am      

Local Red Cross chapter reviews funds and costs

From July through April, the Daniel Boone Chapter of the American Red Cross spent $42,380 on disaster relief in its seven-county region, its board learned Monday evening.

Local fundraising in the past 11 months totaled $65,718, including $27,297 raised by Red Cross “Heroes” and $27,572 raised through the United Way of the Bluegrass.

The chapter has only one paid employee, but salary, benefits and other operating expenses, including rent, left the chapter with a $1,432 deficit on May 31.

The “Heroes” campaign was launched in response to a projected funding shortfall this past winter. A Richmond accounting firm recently audited the chapter’s finances.

During April and May, the organization spent $3,450 assisting seven families in the region who were displaced from their homes, said Mary Kate Jones, the chapter’s executive director.

During those two months, 32 volunteers logged 950 service hours with the chapter.

The board met Monday at the Madison County Public Library in Richmond to review the past year, elect officers, welcome new members and express gratitude to retiring board members.

Michael Brewer of Lancaster and Fred Crump of Richmond were re-elected, respectively, as chair and co-chair.

New board members Terra Durbin and Scott Johnson, respectively, were named secretary and treasurer.

Other members joining or returning to the board include: Debbie Bellairs, Jeremy Blansett, Marty Hensley, Barbara Kiss, Mike McMahan, Jeffrey Toliver and Bill Upchurch.

Continuing board members include: Dolores Couch, Norman Dean Jr., Robert Gallagher and Brenda Quillen.

Plaques were presented to retiring board members Tracey Burkett, Thomas Dunlap and Ted Kiss.

“Debbie Bellairs was instrumental in the success of our ‘Heroes’ campaign,” Jones said. “She already has several efforts planned for the coming year, including a bowling tournament and another ‘Heroes’ campaign.”

Another goal for the year is to make the chapter and its service to the community more visible, Brewer said.

The board previewed a public service video it hopes to have run on cable television and show to civic groups.

In addition to aiding families affected by disasters, the Red Cross provides education and training on a regular basis, he said.

“From cardiopulmonary resuscitation, lifesaving and water safety to first aid and disaster response, the Red Cross provides a variety of training,” Brewer said.

“It’s always great to hear volunteers tell how they used their Red Cross training to save a life or help someone in need,” he said.

In addition to Madison, the chapter serves Jackson, Owsley, Garrard, Lee Lincoln and Rockcastle counties.

Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 623-1669, Ext. 267.