'Heroes' campaign surpasses goal
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on April 1, 2005 1:46 PM
Wayne County "heroes" raised $65,003 for the Red Cross during a month-long "Heroes Campaign." The goal was $60,000.
The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross ended its annual drive Thursday with a luncheon honoring this year's "heroes" -- people who raised at least $1,000 in donations for the cause.
At a luncheon held in their honor, Chuck Waller, the local Red Cross director, praised this year's heroes, saying the campaign "continues to grow thanks to folks like you here today. We can't do what we do without you."
Waller said that from time to time he is asked if all the Red Cross ever does is beg for blood and money.
"I say yes, in some form or fashion, that's what we do.
"If there ever comes the day when grandmas or grandpas no longer need a hip, when 16-year-olds exercise perfect judgment and no longer have accidents, when everyone in this community is trained in CPR and first aid, when every child knows how to swim, when every single house is built out of flame retardant material, when we learn to control the elements so there are no more disasters, when for the first time in the history of the planet, there is world peace -- when that day comes, we will be the first to quit begging for blood and money.
"Until then, we will do everything we know how to do to be there to help when help is needed."
During the month-long campaign, several activities were held to raise money. One was the second annual sports memorabilia auction, which raised $18,600.
New to the campaign this year was a 75-mile Ride-For-The-Red, sponsored by the Goldsboro chapter of the Blue Knight International, a motorcycle group. Thirty-five motorcyclists raised $2,695 during the event. Heading up the ride was Capt. Glenn Barnes of the Goldsboro Police Department and president of the local Blue Knights chapter.
Barnes has been a Red Cross "hero"for the past two years. He said the Blue Knights wanted to raise money for charity and adopted the Red Cross.
Another fund-raiser was the Pennies-For-A-Purpose campaign held at Wayne County schools. Culligan water bottles were distributed to each school in the county to be decorated by students. After decorating them, they were placed on display for students and faculty to drop in their pennies. More than $6,000 was collected.
Waller said that the money raised by the Heroes Campaign stays in Wayne County to help collect blood, help victims of fires, train people in CPR and first aid and provide an around-the-clock emergency link with military personnel and their families.
Ham's Restaurant donated food for the luncheon.