Red Cross Media Contact:
Ashley Henyan
Cell phone: 843-571-8945
Peterson Companies Media Contact:
Vicki Bendure
202-374-9259 (call/text)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Red Cross partners with Peterson Companies to honor local heroes during Red Cross Month celebration in March
DMV-area residents advance legacy of Clara Barton, one of most honored women in U.S. history
WASHINGTON, DC, March 3, 2023 — This March, the Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region has partnered with Peterson Companies to bring the humanitarian spirit derived from people helping people to life. Throughout the month, Be HUMANitarian, Become the Red Cross signage will be displayed across the DMV—including on the jumbotron at National Harbor and at Downtown Silver Spring, Fairfax Corner, and Rio. Additionally, the Capital Wheel at National Harbor will light-up in RED from March 5th to March 11th to help honor those who make the Red Cross mission possible during the 80th annual American Red Cross Month celebration — a national tradition that began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation.
“The humanitarian spirit is not only the heart of the Red Cross, but also the heart of the DMV,” said Dale Kunce, regional executive for the Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region. “We are proud to honor all those who make our lifesaving work possible during this year’s Red Cross Month celebration.”
Participate in Red Cross Month by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, give blood or platelets, become a volunteer or take a class in lifesaving skills, such as first aid, CPR and how to use an AED. On March 22, you can also join the annual Red Cross Giving Day campaign by donating at redcross.org/givingday to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.
CONTINUING CLARA BARTON’S LIFESAVING LEGACY Red Cross volunteers, blood donors and supporters are advancing the lifesaving legacy of Clara Barton — one of the most honored women in U.S. history — who founded the American Red Cross more than 140 years ago. Her vision to prevent and alleviate human suffering has never wavered: Generation after generation, people have come together to adapt this timeless mission in local communities.
Today in the DMV, this includes helping Brentwood, MD neighbors Emma and Iris—who both received free smoke alarms, installed by Red Cross volunteers, in the spring of 2022. And it includes helping women like Katie of Wilmington, DE—who wouldn’t be watching her twins grow up without the lifesaving blood she received during her difficult labor.
PREVENT A BLOOD SHORTAGE When volunteer blood and platelet donors lend an arm this March, they’ll help keep the blood supply from dropping this spring. All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31, 2023, will receive a $10 Visa® Prepaid Card by email.* Plus, they'll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 Visa Prepaid Card – which could help toward expenses like gas or groceries. There will be five lucky winners.*
To find upcoming blood donation opportunities near you, enter your ZIP code at RedCrossBlood.org.
About the Peterson Companies:
As one of the largest privately-owned real estate development companies in the DC region, Peterson Companies consistently delivers some of the area’s most exciting mixed-use retail, residential and commercial destinations. Over the past 58 years, Peterson Companies has created such exceptional landmarks as National Harbor, Downtown Silver Spring, Fair Lakes, and Fairfax Corner. With a proven ability to move quickly on opportunities to reshape and enhance local communities, the company creates vibrant residential and business districts that benefit all who live and work in our region. For more information about Peterson Companies, please visit www.petersoncos.com.
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.
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*Terms for both offers apply. Visit rcblood.org/help for details.
