Meeting

Report

 
MARTY EVANS
American Red Cross
by Jim Kothe
               
Our speaker today was Marty Evans, the national president/CEO of the American Red Cross, which is beginning its 125th year. She gave an excellent review of the variety of services they provide and she addressed several misconceptions.

Like Rotary, with our thousands of different clubs, the Red Cross also has numerous parts and all are examples of the "voluntary spirit of America," as it is 95% staffed by volunteers. And, contrary to what many believe, the Red Cross is NOT an agency of the Federal government.

The most well known Red Cross service is its relief work during major disasters. Last year there were four hurricanes hitting the same section of the country (primarily Florida). During this time the Red Cross provided shelter for 425,000 people and served over 16,000,000 meals at a cost of over $120,000,000.

While the major disasters get all the media attention, last year the Red Cross also addressed the needs of over 69,000 "silent disasters," which are primarily house fires. There were around 190 such instances in the Charlotte area last year, with shelter and food provided to 250 families. In addition, in a special military program, support was also provided to numerous Charlotte area military families.

Lifesaving skill is another major service area. Marty cautioned all of us to take a review course for CPR, as new techniques have made prior training out of date. And, of course, when you think of the Red Cross, you think of blood banking, which it pioneered during World War II. The American Red Cross now collects half the country's blood supply.

On a sobering note, she mentioned that the Charlotte Region is high on the list of possible terrorists' "hit sites." A leader in preparedness and prevention, just this week the Red Cross is opening a new Education & Disaster Center here in Charlotte, which will serve as the "nerve center" for future disaster operations in our region.

Marty closed by saying that the Red Cross needs three things: our time, our blood and our money. "This is how we work," she said, quoting their slogan: "together, we can save a life!" (For more information visit: www.redcross.org)
         
 
Head Table:
Robby Ray, Don Carmichael, Catherine Browning, Pam Daigle, Gregg Walker, David Erdman; Invocation: George Thompson
 
Visitors & Guests:
Ken Poe; Health & Happiness: Phil Van Hoy; Song: Thomas Moore

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NEW MEMBER PROFILE
	Paul C. Schmidt, CPA Business-to-Business CFO 10607 Country Squire Court Matthews, NC 28105-7103 704-506-1133 www.b2bcfo.com
Paul is the owner of Paul C. Schmidt, CPA, a sole proprietorship doing business as Business-to-Business CFO. His part-time CFO services are provided to closely held businesses that do not need or cannot afford a full time CFO. Paul brings over 25 years experience serving as CFO and Controller for portfolio companies of private equity investment firms, as well as for closely-held, family owned businesses. These companies range in size from $2 - $200 million. Paul graduated with distinction from the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business, earning a BBA in accounting. Business affiliations include membership in Financial Executives International, Association for Corporate Growth, Turnaround Management Association, AICPA and NCACPA. Paul graduated from the Charlotte Chamber Leadership School and has undertaken several volunteer activities, including teaching catechism classes, initiating United Way campaigns at his previous employers, and working at the Men's Emergency Winter Shelter. Paul cited three reasons of why he joined Rotary: Becoming a sole proprietor gives him the scheduling flexibility needed to attend meetings; The need to become more active in the community and increase his level of community service; and to honor his father, a Rotarian for decades and past President of the Birmingham, Michigan Rotary Club, who passed away last summer.

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