90^th Annual Meeting of the American Red Cross Southeast MO Chapter

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Over 120 American Red Cross supporters and volunteers attended the Southeast Missouri Chapter’s 90^th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 19, at Centenary United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau.

“As we celebrate 90 years in Southeast Missouri, we honor the many faces of the Red Cross who have made our Southeast MO Chapter and our region strong.  We embrace the future with confidence that together we can touch more lives in new ways,” said Cheryl Klueppel, Executive Director.

Lauren Keith, KFVS 12 Breakfast Anchor, acted as emcee for the event honoring all the members of the Southeast MO Chapter. Additionally, there were six awards given to outstanding members:

• Disaster Planning and Response Award was presented to the Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) for their focus on creating a network among the agencies in our community to respond to emergencies

• First Year Outstanding Award was given to Dianna and Ernest Clary of Frohna, for their commitment to the Red Cross beginning with the Crosstown Tornado and their continued enthusiasm for the Red Cross.

• Corporate Community Partnership Award was awarded to Robinson Construction, Perryville, for increasing life-saving awareness in Perry County. With the CPR and First Aid training employees received they were able to give a coworker every chance of survival when he went in to cardiac arrest.

• Southeast Missouri Chapter Award of Excellence was given to Glen and Martha Harmon, Puxico. The Harmons are living examples of the Red Cross spirit.

• Support Services Award was presented to Jennifer Kubinak, Jackson, for the generous donation of her time and expertise to update the Chapter’s website.

• The Life-Saving Award was awarded to Dustin Peters, Dexter. Peters, at 14 years old, was able to provide emergency CPR to his father who was suffering from a Grand Mal seizure. Peters will also receive the American Red Cross Merit Presidents Award. This award, signed by the President of the United States, is the highest honor given to an individual who uses Red Cross Training to save a life.

During the business portion of the meeting, the 2007-2008 Board of Directors were elected. Senator Jason Crowell (R-27) administered the oath of office to the new board. The 2007-2008 American Red Cross Board members are:

Two past board members, Robert Cox and Pete Poe, were honored with Board Emeritus status for their long history of support to the Red Cross. Board Emeritus status is reserved for those who have gone above and beyond in their service to the Red Cross and our communities.

Retiring Board members were Lt. Isaac Armstrong, due to relocation, and Allen Phillips, due to board membership term limits. Their board involvement will be missed, but both will continue to support the Red Cross in its mission.

Community involvement and donations made this annual meeting possible. Reverend Scott Moon, Grace United Methodist, led the invocation. The Missouri National Guard Color Guard was on hand to post the colors. The Pilot House catered the meal, and Wal-Mart Bakery donated the dessert. Teen Challenge, led by Phil Breithaupt, provided the entertainment. Bloomin’ Balloons created the centerpieces. The Junior American Red Cross volunteered their time to ensure the success of the meeting.

Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross Southeast Missouri Chapter provides emergency and preparedness assistance to the community. The Red Cross depends on the efforts of hundreds of volunteers to provide a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, services to military personnel and support for blood services. The Southeast Missouri Chapter provides programs and services to Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Scott and Stoddard counties. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work. To volunteer, or for more information, please call (573) 335-9471.