The American Red Cross of Alaska held its inaugural Dave Lawer Memorial “Swing for Relief” Golf Tournament at the Anchorage Golf Course on Friday, August 19. Twenty-nine teams participated to raise funds for a new emergency response vehicle (ERV) that will be based in Southcentral Alaska. The tournament raised over $75,000 for the new vehicle. “What a great response for a meaningful cause for the Red Cross, who have been serving Alaskans for over 100 years,” stated honorary tournament chair Joe Mathis.
The new ERV will allow Red Cross volunteers to respond to disasters such as flooding, home fires and earthquakes: providing food, cleanup kits, and delivering emergency supplies. The newly redesigned ERV will be updated with additional safety functions, outfitted with new technology, and retrofitted to meet the special needs of Alaska communities.
“Having the new ERV in Southcentral means we can continue to safely respond to disasters in our most populated communities,” said Tanguy Libbrecht, CEO of American Red Cross of Alaska. “Our volunteers respond almost daily to home fires and other disasters; this resource means so much to those in need.”
A large portion of the funds needed for the new ERV were generously donated by First National Bank Alaska, who contributed $25,000 and are longtime supporters of the mission of the Red Cross.
“For more than 100 years, the Red Cross and First National have been pillars of support throughout the state,” said Cheri Gillian, First National Executive Senior Officer and Chief Administrative Officer. “We’ve both been there for Alaskans through thick and thin. Generations of bank employees, officers, board members, and shareholders have volunteered, donated and supported the Red Cross’ important work. Our support of the new ERV will help shape a brighter tomorrow for Alaskans.”
The Rasmuson Foundation provided a $75,000 matching grant for the purchase of the emergency response vehicle. The foundation’s stated purpose is, “Inspiring the spirit of giving and connecting people, organizations, and causes to strengthen Alaska’s communities now and forever.” The matching grant inspired many players and donors to make a difference at this year’s golf tournament.
The tournament’s namesake, Dave Lawer, was a former board member and longtime supporter of the American Red Cross of Alaska. The Red Cross of Alaska has enjoyed generations of support from the Cuddy and Lawer families and Betsy Lawer previously served on the board along with her sister Jane and brother David. The Red Cross is proud to recognize Dave and his commitment to disaster relief by naming the golf tournament in his honor.
Additional sponsors of the golf tournament include ConocoPhillips, Alaska Frontier Constructors, Lynn and Terri Johnson, Santos, Montana Creek Campground, Ryan Groeneweg, Alaska Chadux Network, Credit Union 1, Capital Office Supply, Furie Operating Alaska, LLC., Price Gregory and Betsy Lawer, who provided a matching grant of $18,000 to encourage support of the tournament.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.