Klarus Home Care Forgoes the Holiday Party to Celebrate the Real Spirit of Christmas

Written by Tonya Solis-Mosby, volunteer contributor

The Klarus Home Care team presented their generous gift to the Red Cross this December.

For some people, the holiday season is a time of festive parties and shopping for presents.  But for the employees and owners of Klarus Home Care, this year, the festive party was left out to give way for an extra-special gift amongst employees.  It was the gift of generosity and satisfaction that comes with giving to the American Red Cross.

Brent Hagood, representing the home healthcare agency, said it was Hurricane Sandy that prompted the company to forego this year’s holiday party.  “In light of the devastation by Hurricane Sandy on so many people’s lives, we thought, ‘Why spend thousands on something kind of extravagant for just a few hours when we could help those who were affected by the storm?”

So, in lieu of their holiday party, Hagood said, the staff decided on a $10,000 donation to the American Red Cross.

“It was the best cause and we knew the Red Cross was the best way to make sure the funds were used to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy,” he said. “This was made possible by our generous staff and their desire to make it happen.”

Klarus Home Care provides skilled home health care in North Central Texas and the greater Albuquerque areas.  The Red Cross is so thankful for the generosity of businesses and people who realize that one sacrifice and one gift really do make a difference and allow those in times of disaster to receive the comfort and support of the Red Cross.

Known as a “Superstorm,” Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on thousands of people and many states when it slammed onto the East Coast in late October.  Before the rains from the storms had cleared, American Red Cross volunteers were dispatched to offer assistance for those in the path of the horrible storm.

For more information on how your company or family can make a year end gift to the Red Cross, please visit redcross.org.  The best way to donate is to make a financial gift on the Red Cross website  (redcross.org) or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.  To make a $10 donation from your phone, text the word REDCROSS to 90999.

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Food and Fundraising on Wheels: Thanking DFW Food Trucks

written by Lilly Watson

Food trucks have been popping up across the U.S. for the past few years, and Dallas and Fort Worth have been lucky enough to be a major part of that movement. I love going over to the Dallas Arts District for food truck lunch on Friday for some street tacos, a sweet snack and an extra side of Vitman D as I soak up the sun at my picnic table.

My first day at the Red Cross I toured our facilities and was introduced to our Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs for short). These trucks go out to major home fires or communities affected by disaster distributing beverages, snacks and even hot meals to victims and relief workers. I remember the eyebrows raising on my tour guide as I delightfully exclaimed, "Wow! Who knew the Red Cross had our very own line of food trucks?!"

Our ERVs have been hitting the streets of Arlington, Forney and Lancaster this week. We're providing comfort and emotional support to victims who visit the trucks, as well as vital water and food. Over the past two days the Red Cross has delivered more than 1,300 meals and 3,300 drinks and snacks out of our trucks. Talk about slinging some hash!

A tornado victim in Arlington receives food and a needed laugh from the Red Cross Emergency Relief Vehicle on Thursday.

Since we fancy ourselves a charity extension of the food truck community, we are especially moved and grateful for the following food trucks who have pledged their support to us this weekend. Look for them out on the street and know as you enjoy your food truck food, a tornado victim in our area is getting a good meal off a truck tonight as well!

• Buying a Nammi Food Truck t-shirt makes a $10 donation to the Red Cross. They are also donating their tips to the Red Cross!
• Gandolfo's Ny Deli is donating a percentage of proceeds to the Red Cross through Tuesday.
• The Butcher's Son is also donating a percentage of proceeds through Tuesday.
• Enticed Shaved Ice is donating 100% of proceeds through Saturday.
• Rock Star Bakeshop is donating their tips to the Red Cross this weekend - look for the tip jar marked with the Red Cross!

To find out where any of these great trucks will be this weekend, click each link for their Twitter pages.

If you're wondering if Red Cross workers are making it over to support the trucks supporting us, we have the photo evidence and happy stomachs to prove it!

Dallas-area Red Cross communications and fund development workers visit Rock Star bakeshop on Thursday.

What is your favorite food truck in Dallas? Are you headed out this weekend to visit the trucks supporting our disaster relief efforts?

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Dallas Cowboys Watch Party to Benefit the American Red Cross

From our friends at Central 214:

Join us in honoring America and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys as they play the New York Jets for this special game set for the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Start indoors and move to the courtyard patio at halftime for viewing under the stars. Nosh on burgers and tailgate party-themed bites -- all you can eat for just $12 per person, with half going to the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter* in honor of its contributions on 9/11 and every day. We'll have touchdown-worthy half price drink specials and complimentary valet parking. The event kicks-off Sunday night Cowboys Watch Parties, planned through the fall.

"No doubt the Sept. 11 game will be packed with patriotism and emotion, so we hope our friends will take comfort in being together as we cheer on both the Cowboys and America," explains Chef Blythe Beck. "We want to raise a lot of money for the Red Cross to support all they do for our community in times of crisis."

RSVP to the event on Facebook

*You can also join Chef Blythe Beck and the Central 214 team earlier in the day at the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
View your invitation

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Rock Out with 100.3 Jack FM and Support the American Red Cross

Get ready to rock out and support the American Red Cross!

Saturday, June 25, 100.3 Jack FM will present Jack's Throwback Show featuring Queen Nation (Queen Tribute band), Back in Black (AC/DC Tribute band), Fan Halen (Van Halen Tribute band), and Guns 4 Roses (Guns N' Roses Tribute band). The rockin' concert will happen at the Gexa Energy Pavillion located at 1818 First Ave. in Dallas, Texas 75210.

You can snag discounted tickets to the show by using keyword "REDCROSS" on the ticket purchase page. Total cost of a discounted ticket is $15.42, which includes additional fees and taxes. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales using this special promo code (Given to us by Jack himself!) will go to benefit the American Red Cross. Doors open at 6:00pm and the first show gets underway at 7:00pm.

Concert Details:

Queen Nation - 7:00pm
Fan Halen - 8:00pm
Guns 4 Roses - 9:00pm
Back In Black - 10:30pm

Location:
Gexa Energy Pavilion
1818 First Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75210

For more information, visit www.jackontheweb.com.

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Chefs' Picnic at the Lake to Benefit the American Red Cross

Set on the scenic shores of White Rock Lake at the historic Art Deco style Bath House, Chefs’ Picnic at the Lake, June 26 (noon-3pm) celebrates 100 years of White Rock Lake and the American Red Cross–Dallas Area Chapter, during the grand finale Comerica White Rock Centennial Celebration weekend.

Featuring a picnic lunch prepared by Dallas’ top chefs, served from the original Bath House concession stand, along with beer, wine and refreshments from Ben E. Keith, music, and exhibition of old-school photographs and memorabilia from White Rock Lake and the American Red Cross–Dallas Area Chapter and more, Chefs’ Picnic at the Lake will transport guests to a time when White Rock Lake was the staple of summertime in Dallas.

Leading a team of DFW’s finest Chefs, The Grape’s Brian C. Luscher along with Marc Cassel, Peavy Road; Jeff Harris, RedFork; Nathan Tate and Randall Copeland, Restaurant Ava; Diane and Justin Fourton, Pecan Lodge; and Hollie Dorethy, sponsored by Natural Grocers, prepare an extraordinary seated picnic luncheon with their unique spin on the traditional al fresco-fare.

Proceeds from Chefs’ Picnic at the Lake benefit the American Red Cross–Dallas Area Chapter and the Comerica White Rock Lake Centennial Celebration which will help fund ten capital projects to include enhancing hike and bike trails, improving parking lots, renovating White Rock Dog Park, restoring the park forests and more.

Sponsors to date include Comerica White Rock Lake Centennial Celebration, Ben E. Keith, The Grape, Highland Park Cafeteria and the American Red Cross–Dallas Chapter.

Purchase your tickets online!

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Steve Harvey to Help Raise Funds for Red Cross Disaster Relief

Listen to The Steve Harvey Morning Show all this week as the actor, comedian, entertainer and television and radio personality hosts "Neighbors Helping Neighbors Overcome Disaster," a radio fundraiser to help raise money for American Red Cross disaster recovery efforts.

Beginning Monday, May 16 through Friday, May 20, listeners will be able to donate to support Red Cross relief efforts by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Monday morning Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern called in and thanked Steve and his listeners for their donations, as well as provided an update on Red Cross disaster operations. We are expecting a few celebrity callers during the shows, encouraging people to help the Red Cross. All money raised will benefit the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts. In Dallas/Fort Worth, you can listen to the show from 5am - 9am on Smooth R&B 105.7. Outside the area, listen online at www.steveharvey.com.

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Photos from Give 'Em Shelter Benefit Concert for Japan

On Wednesday, March 30, 570 KLIF presented Give 'Em Shelter a benefit concert for Japan featuring The Stoneleighs, a Rolling Stones tribute band with Point Blank and other special guests. The concert held at the House of Blues in Dallas raised more than $3,000 for the American Red Cross to support relief efforts in Japan.

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Social Media Club of Dallas to Host "Dallas 4 Japan"

On Thursday, March 24th, the Social Media Club of Dallas will host "Dallas 4 Japan," a networking event and fundraiser for the American Red Cross. The event will be held at the Aloft Hotel in Dallas from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Donations from this event will go to support the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts in Japan. Grab your tickets now!

We hope to see you there! Can't make it? You can follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #Dallas4Japan.

Watch this moving video and make plans to attend this event!

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The Results are In!

We wanted to make sure you did not miss the big announcement.

Our first Lucky Ducky Derby was a success. A total of 4,499 ducks were adopted and more than $20,000 was raised for the Dallas Area Chapter.

A BIG THANK YOU to ALL of you for your support. We could not have had a successful event without you!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

View photos from the event

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Coming to a Pond Near You: The First Lucky Ducky Derby

Come have fun in the sun and join us on Sunday, June 27 for the First Lucky Ducky Derby where we will release 10,000 adorable rubber ducks into the pond at Curtis Park. This is a new family-friendly event benefiting the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter.



The festivities will begin at 3:00pm with the derby starting at 3:30pm. You'll be able to enjoy live music, great food, snow cones and even face painting for the kids.

However, these little ducks need to be adopted so they can raise money to help families affected by disaster in North Texas.

You can adopt a duck for just $5 or you can buy a "Quack Pack" with 6 ducks for $25. Adopt today For every duck you adopt, you'll increase your chance of winning 1 of 3 prizes: $2,000 for groceries from Kroger, ladies diamond Michele watch or two Southwest Airlines tickets.

While it seems like a small amount, you should know that it will have a big impact. A $25 donation will give six little ducks a home and allow the Red Cross to provide 2 hot meals to a disaster victim.



Please join us for this fun family day in the park and don't forget to visit www.duckrace.com/dallas to adopt your duck!

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Frontiers of Flight Museum Annual Gala Supports Red Cross

The Dallas Area Chapter is pleased to announce that the upcoming Frontiers of Flight Museum Annual Gala will help to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter.

The museum will give a minimum $5,000 donation and a portion of the proceeds from the event to the Chapter.

So if you are free Friday, May 21, why not give Cheers to a Starry Night and help your favorite charity.

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World Red Cross Day at the FC Dallas vs. DC United soccer game

Please join us this Saturday May 8 and support the American Red Cross - Dallas Area Chapter on World Red Cross Day at the FC Dallas vs. DC United soccer game.

The FC Dallas team is giving Red Cross staff, volunteers and our friends and family a discounted rate on tickets. Also, they are donating $4 of tickets sold for this game back to the Red Cross.

The game will be at Pizza Hut Park (located at 9200 World Cup Way, Frisco 75034) and begins at 8pm (gates open at 5:30pm).

Reserve your tickets TODAY! Call 469-365-0046 or email Tessa at Trecendes@FCDallas.net.

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I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream!

I am addicted to sweets - chocolate, cake, candy, ice cream. It's all amazing.

Today is the day to put your diet on hold and head out for some free ice cream. But no, Chocoholic. It is not just any ice cream. It is Ben & Jerry's ice cream!

I know you are salivating. Actually, I am too. The thought of munching on some Cherry Garcia or Everything But The... I could go through a pint by myself. That's sad.

In celebration of March as Red Cross Month, Ben & Jerry's has selected the American Red Cross - Dallas Area Chapter as its honorary charity for "Free Cone Day."

It's happening Tuesday, Mar. 23 from noon to 8 p.m. You will get a scoop of ice cream, and feel free to donate to our wonderful chapter.

The participating locations are:

• McKinney: 2851 Craig Drive
• Plano: 1501 Preston Road
• Highland Village: 4061 Barton Creek

More than a million people are expected to show up for the free cones. (Hopefully they will not all be in your line.)

So go forth, and eat ice cream.

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My Random Act of Kindness

Last Friday, the DFW meetup group, "Random Acts of Kindness," well, did just that. In a random act of kindness the group hosted an evening at BlackFinn in Addison to raise money for the American Red Cross - Dallas Area Chapter's Haitian relief efforts. A few months ago, the group hit its 2000+ member mark, which it was also celebrating. The evening brought together several meetup groups, including 20s and 30s singles - everyone looking to have a mix, mingle and donate to a great cause.

I even got to help out with fellow American Red Cross volunteer, Kristina.

I twisted a few arms (...errr, asked) of my co-workers and got a small following to come out. The night was a success due to the a few good-hearted people and the "Random Acts of Kindness" organizer, Lance Price. Yes, he deserves many props, high fives and happy dances for pulling the event off. Of course, thank you BlackFinn for hosting our rowdy and fun-loving supporters.

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Take a Hike for your American Red Cross

The McKinney Office of the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter is participating again in the “Take a Hike for Your Community” fundraising event at McKinney’s Heard Natural Science Museum and Volunteer Center. On March 27, you and your friends or family can have a wonderful hiking experience that also benefits your community.

For every person who registers for the event and designates the Red Cross as their charity of choice, the Red Cross will get a percentage of the proceeds. Last year, which was the first year for the event, the Red Cross received almost $750. For information about the hike and to sign up today, visit http://www.heardmuseum.org/events/TakeaHikeforyourCommunity.asp

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Haiti Earthquake: Local Fundraiser

Today at Sprinkles 100 percent of the proceeds of the Red Velvet cupcakes are going to the Red Cross!

Grab a cupcake and help the American Red Cross!

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Dallas Area Chapter to Participate in Derby Duck Race

The Derby Duck Network Announces Upcoming Races
Watch the video about the Dallas Area Chapter.


Stay tuned for more details on the Saturday, May 1 event!

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