The Southwestern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross held its annual meeting recently with chapter members from throughout the area convening at the Allegany Community Center to receive reports on the services the chapter has delivered over the past year.
Bill Tucker, executive director, highlighted the excellent work of the chapter's many volunteers. Through their efforts, the Red Cross was able to deliver immediate disaster relief to over 290 people, complete nearly 200 activities in support of military families, collect more than 13,000 units of blood and deliver life-saving training to more than 5,000 residents. Clayton Sweeney, chairman, also thanked area residents, businesses, foundations and United Way agencies for their financial support, without which the Red Cross could not deliver its services.
Three new directors were elected to the board: Tim O'Keefe of CUTCO, Dr. Todd Palmer of St. Bonaventure University and Dorothy Button of the Seneca Nation Department of Emergency Management. In addition, eight board members were re-elected to a second term and two were re-elected to a third term. The following officers were elected for the 2012-13 year: Clayton Sweeney, board chair; John Plumb, board vice chair; and Dorothy Button, secretary.
Community Partnership Awards were given to Houghton College, St. Bonaventure University and the State University at Fredonia. The Community Partnership Awards are in recognition of the support the institutions provided to the Red Cross through community service programs, fundraising events, blood drives and health and safety certification courses. Their dedication helped the Red Cross to bring together volunteers and donors from throughout Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties to improve the disaster preparedness of area residents and to ensure that they receive prompt support in the wake of any emergency or disaster event.
The American Red Cross of Southwestern New York relies on more than 400 local volunteers to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies throughout Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. The Southwestern New York Chapter is a United Way agency.