Red Cross effort raises more than $53,000

Final total may reach $60,000, By Jennifer Jean Miller Newton — The American Red Cross Sussex County Chapter far surpassed their goal of raising $35,000 during their Heroes Campaign, a three-week fundraising blitz which ended on April 2. At a luncheon at the Holiday Inn Express Executive Director of the Chapter Pat Day and Freeholder Director Glen Vetrano recapped fundraising ventures. Efforts came from many different directions. From bake sales and garage sales to dining out events and “celebrity luncheons” on the Sussex County Community College Campus, money has come from many sources. According to Glenn Lewis, Public Affairs Manager at EMBARQ who oversaw a variety of groups, the Reverend Brown School raised $465 at their bake sale, EMBARQ employees raised $1,000 and Don Hall of The Chatterbox raised $1,310. Lewis said he was receiving phone calls from Hall for more red crosses, which he described as “wall papered around the restaurant.” The local Red Cross does not receive any funding from government agencies, or the national organization, and instead relies on donations for support. At the luncheon Vetrano initially announced $48,134.09. But chapter employee Melissa Turner told Vetrano the check from Sussex County Community College for $5,045 was not included in the figure Vetrano had announced. Vetrano predicted the campaign may total $60,000. Awards were presented to various groups and individuals for their efforts. Eastern Propane Corporation was presented the “Superhero” plaque from the chapter. Rob Nicholson, President and CEO of Eastern said when Vetrano contacted him for help he did not hesitate. “The time will come when the county will need assistance from the Red Cross,” he said. Day said, “Through Glen Vetrano’s leadership we have months and years ahead — which have been provided with a new foundation when the old foundation was crumbling.” Day and Dave Johnson, the Chapter’s Chairman of the Board, presented Vetrano with his own plaque in appreciation of his help. Vetrano said the campaign has brought new direction to the chapter. “The Sussex County Chapter is here to stay another 90 years,” he said.