To: You
Subject: At this season of giving, a personal request
Dear Friend,
As you may know, I work for the American Red Cross and I'm writing to ask for your help, but I want you to know why I have fallen in love with this great organization and maybe help you fall in love too.
Within days of joining the American Red Cross, I heard firsthand accounts of our work in China, and I saw the efforts to help people rebuild and recover from a powerful earthquake that impacted millions of lives. Nothing could have prepared me for the images and stories. The most heartbreaking sight was at a primary school, where a young girl described the terror of losing her brother and friend. It hit me at that moment that I wasn't just looking at pictures of destruction; I was looking at broken lives. Lives we can help to rebuild.
Since I joined the Red Cross in July, I have watched employees and volunteers respond to a multitude of disasters. In addition to a barrage of hurricanes (Dolly, Fay, Hannah, Gustav and Ike) we've had widespread floods and devastating wildfires.
Volunteers have staffed our shelters and provided meals, mental health counseling, and community outreach into disaster stricken areas. I've witnessed the impact that we have as we work to restore dignity and a sense of hope for the victims of these disasters. I've never been so proud to be part of an organization.
This year, an unprecedented number of disasters has taken its toll on our Disaster Relief Fund. Although we utilize a volunteer force, the expenses associated with meals, supplies, and transportation for our volunteers has depleted our funds. This year alone we have served more than six million meals and opened thousands of shelters. We have coordinated the work of more then 50,000 volunteers. Thousands of individuals have benefitted from the services of the American Red Cross.
The cost of responding to these disasters has been enormous, but the Red Cross has been there to answer every call. In order to make it possible for us to continue this life-saving work, we have launched a $100 million dollar Campaign for Disaster Relief to replenish the Disaster Relief Fund. I'm proud to announce that we have reached the midway point and raised over $60 million.
As we approach the home stretch, I've been asked to help raise funds by reaching out to family and friends. Jeremy and I personally want to demonstrate our commitment to this campaign by participating.
Our goal is to raise at least $10,000. I hope that you'll consider making a gift to the Disaster Relief Fund so that we can continue to help those in need.
I know these are challenging economic times for every one of us. Those same economic factors will increase costs that impact the Red Cross and the people we serve - some in their darkest hour of need.
You can use the link at the bottom of this note to go to my personal fundraising page for the campaign and make a donation to help disaster victims. Please forward this note to your friends and family, encouraging them to join with you in helping save a life.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and support. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year.
Best Wishes,
Jill E.
Office of the President & CEO
American Red Cross
Click here to visit my personal page.
Or, visit this web address: http://american.redcross.org/site/TR/DRFCampaign/DisasterReliefCampaignTeamChallenges?px=5398750&pg=personal&fr_id=1184&et=zBcywdRCtIJy2r155Rxk_Q..&s_tafId=1808
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