The American Red Cross of Upstate South Carolina serves Greenville, Abbeville, Anderson, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, and Pickens Counties.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Red Cross CNAs Improving Life for Upstate


Improving the quality of life for Upstate residents is not just a job, it's a way of life for those who work and volunteer at the Upstate Chapter. While the Red Cross provides aid to those who experience disasters, it also provides education to those who want to make a difference in their life and the lives of others.

Sylvia Coltrane, director of Vocational Health Care at the Upstate Chapter oversees the nearly 20-year-old Nurse Assistant Training Program, a four-week course consisting of classroom instruction and practical application. More than 200 community residents graduate each year, and go on to take a state certification exam to become Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs). "We are so proud," Coltrane says of her students, "Many overcome incredible odd to graduate."

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Fire Ravages Laurens Business: Red Cross Was There


By Brian Scoles

In the darkness of October 10, Clinton Fire Department responds to a call at the Anderson Hardwood Flooring plant in Clinton. Upon arrival, first responders encountered flames shooting 40 feet into the air. Emergency Preparedness Director Ray Blackwell reported that four workers escaped without injury and issued an evacuation order as a result of toxic chemicals released into the atmosphere.

Kay Osborne, Laurens County Service Center Manager for the Upstate Chapter, along with two volunteers, received the call that Clinton residents were urged to leave their homes and a shelter was opened. Osborne said of the shelter, "Clinton residents need a safe place to go and we will be there for them with food and shelter if only for a little while."

Kim Eller, Chief Chapter Services Officer for the Upstate Chapter, shares these disaster response statistics for the first quarter of the chapter's fiscal year which began July 1: the Chapter has responded to 70 disasters-a little more than 23 responses a month-and committed nearly $52,000 in direct financial assistance to individuals affected by disaster. "Last year was a record breaking year," says Eller, "in the first three months of this fiscal year, we are out pacing where we were a year ago at this point." All Red Cross emergency services are free to victims of disaster, paid for by the generous contributions of individuals and businesses who support the Upstate Chapter.

"Thankfully, no one was injured due to this fire" concludes Osborne. "No matter the result, the Red Cross will be there for the residents of the Upstate."

Anderson Hardwood Floor is a 60 year old firm and the second largest supplier of hardwood floors in America.

Monday, October 02, 2006

Bike Rally Aids Red Cross Chapters



September 29th & 30th, motorcycle enthusiasts had the opportunity to ride, race, and raise funds for a good cause as the Upstate and Piedmont Chapters of the American Red Cross held its 14th annual Motorcycle Rally.

Friday's main draw was motorcycle drag racing at the Greer Dragway, presented by Foothills Motorsports. The event featured some of the nation's top Fuel racers and a competition among all bikers who attended as a way of proving who's got the "baddest hog in South Carolina."

The main rally began at 9 a.m., Saturday, at the BMW Zentrum in Spartanburg. Bikers participated in a poker run which awarded the best hand with a 2007 Harley Davidson 883 Custom bike donated by Harley-Davidson of Greenville.

The route included four stops and ended at the Harley-Davidson of Greenville, where bikers enjoyed a party with local food vendors and music by the Enforcers.

The event draws nearly 1,500 riders and raises approximately $80,000 split between two major Upstate Red Cross chapters in Greenville and Spartanburg Counties.

End of Summer Beach Party Raises Fun and Funds for Upstate Chapter


September 17, 2006, The South's largest beach party was hosted at Pawleys Charcoal Steakhouse in Mauldin, SC., in support of the Upstate South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross.

"A Day at the Beach" lasted from 1 p.m.-9 p.m. with DJ Ben Phillips playing beach music which could be heard over the sounds of volleyballs at the six on six beach volleyball tournament while spectators enjoyed delicious food from the outdoor beach bar. Little ones who came were entertained in the Kids Zone with games, prizes and fun. In the early evening people were "Shaggin’ on the beach" to the hot tunes of the J Michael Band.

Inside Pawleys, at the VIP party, beach goers enjoyed delicious food and the cool sounds of beach music greats Bill Pinkney, the original voice of “The Drifters,” Billy Scott of “Billy Scott and the Georgia Prophets,” Hack Bartley and Brent Fortson of “The Original Swinging Medallions,” and Clifford Curry who had the hit songs, She Shot a Hole in My Soul and We’re Gonna Hate Ourselves in the Morning, and many other local artists.

Fun was had by everyone! The event brought in over $6,000 for the Chapter.