Red Cross hosts annual fund-raising breakfast in Allen Arena

Janel Shoun | 

 
The American Red Cross of Middle Tennessee held its annual Red Cross Breakfast on Tuesday, at Lipscomb University's Allen Area. Business and community leaders from across Middle Tennessee attended, including Senators Thelma Harper and Tim Barnes. 
 
This year's 2009 Red Cross Breakfast keynote speaker was Bill Krueger, senior vice president of manufacturing, purchasing, supply chain management and total customer satisfaction or Nissan North America (NNA).  Krueger discussed his perspective on navigating an ever-changing environment where innovation and entrepreneurship are crucial to sustainability and growth. 
 
The money raised during the event enables the Red Cross to be there when help can't wait, after major disasters or every day house fires, and to ensure that Middle Tennessee is the safest and most prepared region in the country for the next disaster.
 
During the past year, the American Red Cross has been busy.  In September 2008, the chapter had its biggest mass care relief effort in history when it sheltered and fed more than 2,000 Hurricane Gustav evacuees. Lipscomb University served as a Red Cross shelter during that event. 
 
In the past year, the American Red Cross in Middle Tennessee:
  • Assisted more than 3,000 individuals after residential fires,
  • Distributed more than $400,000 in financial assistance,
  • Provided emergency communication for more than 2,000 military personnel and their families;
  • Taught more than 35,000 Tennesseans lifesaving courses such as Adult and Infant/Child CPR/First Aid/AED, and
  • Deployed approximately 70 volunteers to 14 states and the Virgin Islands for national disasters.
 
“We are very grateful to our Middle Tennessee community for continuing to give to their American Red Cross,” said American Red Cross Regional CEO Tim Ryerson.  “Our community's support is vital to the work we do each and every day, helping our neighbors in need.”