American Red Cross of Southwestern NY Elects Directors at Annual Meeting in Allegany, NY

The Southwestern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross conducted its Annual Meeting on June 27^th, with Chapter members from throughout the area convening at the Allegany Community Center in Allegany, NY, to receive reports on the services the Chapter has delivered over the past year.  Executive Director Bill Tucker highlighted the excellent work of the Chapter’s many volunteers.  Through their efforts, the Red Cross was able to deliver immediate disaster relief to over 290 people, complete nearly 200 activities in support of military families, collect over 13,000 units of blood, and deliver life-saving training to over 5000 residents.  Chairman Clayton Sweeney also thanked the many area residents, businesses, foundations, and United Way agencies for their tremendous financial support, without which the Red Cross could not deliver its essential services.

Three new directors were elected to the Board; Tim O’Keefe of CUTCO, Dr. Todd Palmer of St. Bonaventure University, and Dorothy Button of the Seneca Nation Department of Emergency Management.  In addition, eight board members were re-elected to a second term and two were re-elected to a third term.   The following officers were elected for the FY 2012-2013 Fiscal Year:  Clayton Sweeney, Board Chair; John Plumb, Board Vice Chair; and Dorothy Button, Secretary. 

Community Partnership Awards were given to Houghton College, St. Bonaventure University, and SUNY Fredonia. The Community Partnership Awards are in recognition of the superior support that these institutions provided to the Red Cross through community service programs, fundraising events, blood drives, and health and safety certification courses. Their tremendous dedication enabled the Red Cross to bring together volunteers and donors from throughout Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua County communities to improve the disaster preparedness of area residents, and to ensure that they receive prompt support in the wake of any emergency or disaster event.  

The American Red Cross of Southwestern New York relies upon over 400 local volunteers to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies throughout Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties.  The Southwestern New York Chapter is a United Way Agency.

Award winners pictured: Clayton Sweeney, SWNY Chapter Chair; Dr. Virginia Horvath, SUNY Fredonia; Pam Witter and Phyllis Gaerte, Houghton College; Richard Trietley, St. Bonaventure University; Bill Tucker, SWNY Chapter Executive Director