[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 41 (Friday, March 19, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             SUPPORTING GOALS AND IDEALS OF RED CROSS MONTH

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                               speech of

                          HON. MARCIA L. FUDGE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 16, 2010

  Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, since 1943 Americans have celebrated the 
month March as Red Cross Month. I am proud to continue this tradition 
and recognize the humanitarian spirit of the Red Cross' mission and the 
dedication of its volunteers.
  The American Red Cross of Greater Cleveland, which has its 
headquarters on Euclid Avenue, does a tremendous job serving the 
community. The Cleveland chapter improves the quality of lives through 
emergency preparedness, responding to disasters with humanitarian aid, 
and providing health and safety training.
  When a recent explosion on West 83rd left several families with 
nothing, the Greater Cleveland Red Cross stepped in and opened a 
temporary housing facility for them. It then joined with local 
residents to raise funds and accept donations. That situation 
demonstrates our Red Cross' responsiveness to community needs and 
compassion for Americans.
  I'd like to congratulate Mary-Alice Frank, CEO of the Greater 
Cleveland Chapter, David Plate, CEO of the Northern Ohio Blood 
Services, and Richard W. Vogue, Chairman of the Greater Cleveland 
Chapter's Board of Directors, on their stewardship of the American Red 
Cross of Greater Cleveland.
  I am equally proud of the Red Cross on the national level. Bonnie 
McElveen-Hunter, the first woman to be selected as Chairman in the 
organization's 126-year history, and Gail J. McGovern, the President 
and CEO, are doing an outstanding job in furthering the goals of the 
organization. As its mission states, the Red Cross continuously 
provides relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare 
for, and respond to emergencies. These goals deserve recognition and 
celebration all year.

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