A publication of the American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter Spring 2012

Remembering John Dolan

One Year After Japan’s Earthquake and Tsunami

Responding to the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan just one year ago on March 11, 2011 has truly been the work of many dedicated people both in Japan and across the globe. The American Red Cross was one of the largest private, international contributors

tsunami response, raising more than $312 million.

Over $30 million in donations that were made to the American Red Cross came from the generous donors through the Bay Area, Monterey Bay Area, Santa Cruz County and Silicon Valley chapters.

One year later, virtually all of the funds have been spent. Because of these donations, the Japanese Red Cross was able to bring emergency comfort to those

living in shelters and later able to provide the supplies and services needed to help them get back on their feet.

More information on Red Cross relief and recovery efforts in Japan can be found in the one-year report available at www.redcross.org/japanoneyear.

INSIDE

2 Be INSPIRED GALA Honorees

2 A Message from Barb Larkin

3 Save-a-Life Saturday to Offer Free Training

3 A Successful ‘Evening in Saigon’

3 National Earthquake Preparedness Month

4 Volunteer Week

HOW CAN YOU HELP?Visit the website at www.siliconvalley-redcross.org or call us at 1-877-727-6771 for more information on how to volunteer or donate.

It is with great sadness that after three

friend and past American Red Cross Board Member John Dolan. He passed away peacefully and without pain on February 10, 2012 at home with all his family.

John will be very fondly remembered by the Red Cross as a friend,

dedicated Board Member and leader, having served

than six years (as Board

Finance/Investment Chair

and most importantly,

two chapters (Palo Alto Area and Santa Clara Valley) in 2009.

We are so grateful for his focus on

successful as it could be, for his endless support of our employees and volunteers,

and for his strategic guidance as we maneuvered many challenges under his watch.

Without question, we will all miss John terribly – especially his Irish wit,

strong passion for the Red Cross. We can take solace in knowing that his legacy in our community, through his exemplary leadership in the Red Cross, has made a

perpetuity.John’s participation in the Legacy

Society continues to make him an active partner in the work of the Chapter. For more information on remembering the Red Cross in your estate plan, contact Kathleen Wright at 1-888-868-1992 or Kathleen.Wright@redcross.org.

Across the Valley

Hundreds of community members learned about disaster preparedness during the Game On! Prep Rally

leader, champion and supporter. He was a

on the Board for more

Chair for two years and

for a number of years)

leading us through the merger of the

The American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter hosted its 2012 Be INSPIRED Gala on Saturday, March 31 at the Fairmont San Jose. Festivities included a cocktail reception, a drawing for a one week stay in Montego Bay, dinner and dancing.

“We are so fortunate here in the Silicon Valley to receive the outpouring of support from our local community,” said American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter CEO Barbara Larkin. “In Santa Clara County, American Red Cross volunteers respond to disaster every 68 hours, helping families and neighborhoods recover from tragedy, and the funds raised at this year’s Gala

relief and readiness for Santa Clara County’s two million residents, honored two stars of the philanthropic community for their ongoing support of the American Red Cross. The University of Phoenix College of Nursing was a generous presenting sponsor.

Actress Elisabeth Röhm, best known for her television roles on Law & Order

honored with the American Red Cross

Humanitarian Award, which recognizes

inspires the humanitarian values of human dignity, respect and compassion. Röhm is also a member of the Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet and has served as an ambassador and a trained disaster response volunteer for the organization. A tireless advocate for human rights and health issues, Röhm has visited wounded warriors and provided aid with American Red Cross International Services in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Intuit, Inc. and its President and CEO, Brad Smith, was recognized with the American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter’s inaugural Corporate Social Innovation and Partnership Award. As a testament to the company’s “We Care and Give Back” value, Intuit is applying its spirit of innovation and expertise in mobile and payment technologies to partner with the American Red Cross to empower individuals to give and get help. Intuit has also hosted a worldwide company campaign on disaster preparedness and, along with its employees, has generously invested time and resources to improve the Red Cross’ ability to serve the community.

2 SPRING 2012

2012 Red Cross GalaFeaturing Be INSPIRED Gala Honorees

Actress and member of the Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet, Elisabeth Röhm, was honored with the American Red Cross Humanitarian Award at the 2012 Red Cross Be INSPIRED Gala.

A Message from Barb Larkin

As we welcomed the arrival of spring, our Chapter joined chapters all over the nation in recognizing Earthquake Preparedness Month in April.

This is the perfect time to refresh our disaster kits and plans for when the next earthquake hits our area. A small investment of time and money can save lives and minimize stress in a disaster. This month, I encourage you to make it a priority to get a disaster kit, make a plan and be informed about how to respond to an earthquake in your home as well as

earthquake preparedness tips and information on upcoming events that can help keep you and your family safe during an emergency. You will also read about upcoming events in our community and about one of our amazing volunteers.

Your local Chapter is able to serve our communities’ needs, thanks to the generosity of local donors and our dedicated volunteers and staff. When a disaster strikes, our local Red Cross volunteers and partners are there immediately, providing a place to sleep, warm meals, clothing and emotional support as well as offering the support, information and resources to help people recover.

Thanks to your tremendous support, the Red Cross is able to respond to disasters both large and small; help members of the military, veterans and their families; provide blood for those in need; and teach lifesaving skills.

We cannot predict disasters or health emergencies. But your actions today -- volunteering, giving blood, making a donation, taking a class -- ensure the American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter will always be there for our community, your neighbor or even your family when we are needed most.

Barb Larkin

and Angel, with upcoming films Transit and Officer Down out later this year, was

On Sunday, February 26, local philanthropists and generous supporters of the American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter gathered at Three Seasons Restaurant in Palo Alto for “An Evening in Saigon,” a special event sponsored by

Chapter’s local disaster relief efforts and emergency services.

Guests were brought back to 1945 French Colonial Vietnam with Vietnamese appetizers and desserts, including a specialty Vietnamese dessert “che” station, a showcase of Vietnamese ao dai couture, private palm readings, and live music featuring a special performance by

renowned Vietnamese singer Khanh Ha.Highlights of the evening included a

special tasting of Martell cognac paired

Socola Chocolatier, a cigar bar and a live auction for a bottle of the recently released L’Or de Jean Martell.

In Santa Clara County, American Red Cross volunteers respond to disasters every 68 hours, helping families and neighborhoods recover from tragedy. Proceeds from events like “An Evening

Valley Chapter’s programs and emergency services. With your support, we provide disaster relief, First Aid and CPR training, community disaster education and more.

3SPRING 2012

Save-a-Life Saturday to Offer Free Training

In honor of National Earthquake Month in April, Save-A-Life Saturday events will be taking place on April 14, 2012 in the Silicon Valley and other locations.

The events will include free presentations to help residents learn crucial, lifesaving skills in disaster

only Citizen CPR. The classes are non-

training courses, lasting approximately an hour and a half and offered multiple times throughout the day.

We are offering the presentations for free with the generous support of community organizations and our corporate sponsors: Kaiser Permanente,

Union. Peet’s Coffee and Tea is also providing in-kind donations for the event.

Hands-only CPR is a potentially lifesaving technique involving no mouth to mouth contact. It is best used in emergencies where someone has seen another person suddenly collapse. The hands-only technique increases the likelihood of surviving cardiac emergencies that occur outside medical settings. Studies have shown that being trained in hands-only CPR can make the lifesaving difference when someone suffers sudden cardiac arrest.

Residents will also gain skills essential to preparing for and responding to an emergency, personal and household

identifying and managing shock.

Presentations are being offered at the following location in Silicon Valley.

Morgan Hill Centennial Recreation Senior Center

171 W. Edmundson Ave., Morgan Hill

Register online at www.siliconvalley-redcross.org

Learning hands-only CPR can save a life during a medical emergency.

EVENING IN SAIGON

NATIONAL EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS MONTH

In honor of April being National Earthquake Preparedness Month, the American Red Cross encourages you to follow these steps to keep you and your family safe before an earthquake strikes.

plans for any building you occupy regularly.

• Pick safe places in each room of your home, workplace or school, under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall.

• Practice drop, cover and hold on. If you do not have sturdy furniture to hold on to,

cover your head and neck with your arms.

each person’s bed.

• Make sure your home is securely anchored to its foundation.

• Bolt and brace water heaters, gas appli-ances, bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture to wall studs.

• Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit.

• Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets. Large or heavy items should be closest to

• Make and discuss your emergency plan with your loved ones and include an out of area contact and emergency meeting place.

• Know the fire evacuation and earthquake

sit on the floor next to an interior wall and

• Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes by

• Brace overhead light fixtures.

the floor.

3

Silicon Valley ChapterAmerican Red Cross2731 North First StreetSan Jose, CA 95134

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VOLUNTEER WEEK

FOR MORE INFORMATION2731 North First StreetSan Jose, CA 951341-877-727-6771facebook.com/redcross.twitter.com/SV_RedCross

National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, is a time to celebrate the American Red Cross Volunteers, and this year’s theme, “Celebrating People in Action”, is just right for describing Red Cross volunteers. Our volunteers are doers. Our volunteers are

our mission.At the Silicon Valley Chapter, we are

fortunate to have an amazing team of dedicated volunteers including people in action like Arra Yerganian, currently Board Vice Chair and previously Board Chair of the former Santa Clara Valley Chapter in 2007-2008.

Arra is a passionate Red Cross supporter and volunteer – he never leaves

the house without a Red Cross pin on his lapel.

Arra has actively advocated and promoted the Red Cross at each of the companies where he has worked and

support and visibility within the community.

His support and enthusiasm recently resulted in the University of Phoenix

Presenting Sponsor at the $100,000 level for the Silicon Valley Chapter’s 2012 Gala Celebration.

Arra has also instilled Red Cross support as a family value: his son and daughter are also active fund-raisers for the chapter.

During National Volunteer Week, let

us all recognize the positive contributions of Arra and his family as well as the importance of all our dedicated volunteers.

The American Red Cross Silicon Valley chapter offers a variety of volunteer

more information on how to volunteer,

(408) 577-2014 or SCVDSV@usa.redcross.org.

people in action, whom we rely on to fulfill