The American Red Cross Set to Celebrate 90th Anniversary
The American Red Cross of Union County is holding their annual meeting on June 5th from 6:30 to 9:00pm, at Clary’s Banquet Facility located on 6304 Secrest Shortcut Road in Indian Trail. This year the meeting will be a little different with the inclusion of the chapter’s 90th anniversary, celebrating 90 years of service by Red Cross volunteers, blood donors, and financial supporters.
The evening will include a complimentary dinner and entertainment provided by the 40’s style Big Band “Reflection.” However, the highlight of the celebration will be a retrospective of Red Cross history in Union County with photos and excerpts from 1917 to 2007. The chapter’s historical quilt, made in 1917 and signed by community members to support the war effort, will be on display along with an exhibit provided by the National Red Cross entitled “Images of Hope: The American Red Cross Responds,” featuring the American Red Cross’ history of humanitarian relief all across the country and recognizing the importance of volunteers.
The celebration is free and open to all present and past Red Cross supporters, with a special request going out to relatives of the individuals who helped to make or who signed the World War I Memorial Quilt in 1917. Many families signed the quilt and made a contribution to the WWI relief fund. We ask descendants of these families to contact the Red Cross for a personal invitation and inclusion in a special Memorial Quilt Tribute. Just a snapshot of some of these family names include: Laney, Shute, Ashcraft, Morrow, Belk, Houston, McClellan, Fairly, Medlin, Laney, Dillon, Hudson, Sikes, Love, Helms, Hargette, and Blakeney. The chapter has the names of the original quilt signers on file, and can help you identify if you are a descendant. Please call the chapter to identify your family link, or visit our website at www.unioncountyredcross.org, for a list of quilt signers.
“We hope past volunteers and/or their relatives join us for this special night”, states Kathy Bragg, executive director of the chapter. “In addition to the Memorial Quilt families, we extend a special invitation to past Board Chairs and their families as urge them to contact the chapter. Many families in Union County played a vital role in the delivery of Red Cross services over the past 90 years, and we would cherish their presence at the 90th Anniversary.”
If you would like to attend please RSVP by calling 704-283-7402 for Union County or 704-694-3514 for Anson County. For more information on Red Cross services log-on to www.unioncountyredcross.org.
