Claremore Daily Progress

Community News

January 31, 2013

Rice to chair annual ‘Heroes for the American Red Cross’

Tom Fink Staff Reporter

CLAREMORE — Rogers State University President Dr. Larry Rice has been selected the Chairman for the Rogers County 2013 “HEROES for the American Red Cross” Campaign.

The campaign will take place in Rogers County throughout the month of March, which is “National American Red Cross Month,” and have a goal of $30,000. 
The “Heroes for the American Red Cross” campaign invites members of the community, including individuals, businesses, schools, churches and community organizations, to volunteer to collect $1,000 to support the work of their local American Red Cross.  
“Heroes” can choose how they want to raise the funds – through fund drives, financial donations, special events or business promotions.  All money raised through the Hero Campaign stays in Rogers County.  The funds are used to provide food, shelter and other necessities for those suffering from a disaster.   
“I’m proud to have been asked to Chair this year’s “Heroes for the American Red Cross” campaign.  Rogers State University has a long history of partnering with the American Red Cross, whether it’s holding blood drives on campus to co-sponsoring the annual murder mystery fundraising event,” Rice said. “The American Red Cross and its dedicated volunteers make a vital difference in our community every single day.  Whether it’s helping a family after a home fire, or opening shelters in a blizzard or after a tornado, if there is a need, the American Red Cross is always there.  We’ve seen that time and time again.  
“Funds raised through the Hero Campaign is what helps make that possible,” he said. “I invite everyone to join in as a Hero and make this the most successful campaign ever.”  
Home fires are the most common American Red Cross disaster response.  Last year, the local Rogers/Mayes/Wagoner County Service Center responded to 88 home fires, affecting 304 people, with nearly $45,500 in assistance provided in the three counties it serves. 
“We are very pleased that Dr. Rice will be this year’s Rogers County “HEROES for the American Red Cross” Campaign Chair.  I know with his leadership this will be a very successful campaign,” said Mark Ogle, Director, Rogers-Mayes-Wagoner County Service Center. “The campaign is the only time of year that our local service center holds a formal fundraising drive in Rogers County.  
“It’s success is essential in making sure that we have adequate resources available to respond to disasters and provide victims assistance with their immediate emergency needs,” Ogle said.  
Several Heroes have already signed up for this year’s campaign.  They are:  AXH Air-Coolers; BancFirst; Claremore Daily Progress; Hillcrest Hospital Claremore; HydroHoist Marine Group; Jo Bostick; NOREN (Northeastern Oklahoma Real Estate Network); Pelco Structural, L.L.C.; RCB Bank; Rogers State University; Sean Burrage; SPARK; Suburban Chevrolet; and Walmart Supercenter.
To learn more about being a Red Cross Hero, call Rice at (918) 343-7612 or Ogle at (918) 344-8442 or e-mail Mark.Ogle@redcross.org.

Text Only
Community News