Letter to the Editor

American Red Cross says thank you

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

To the Editor:

The Putnam County Leadership Team of the American Red Cross wishes to thank all those who participated and attended our recent annual Chili Supper. This event and its success would not be possible without the help and support of the Putnam County community.

Special gratitude and recognition goes to our sponsor, The Waters of Greencastle, and our partners Sounds Unlimited, National Guard Armory, Delta Theta Tau and Putnam Inn.

We would also like to thank the many donors to this year's event: Autumn Glen, Bittles and Hurt/Hopkins-Rector, Charlie's Beefcake Burgers, Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Chiyoda, DePauw University, DePauw Athletics, First National Bank, Holiday World and Splashin' Safari, Humphrey's Outdoor Power, Indianapolis Indians baseball, Indiana Fever, Indiana Ice, Indiana Pacers, IU Athletics, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Colts, Jack's Trash Service, Jameson Coffee, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Mason's Jewelers, McDonald's, Mill Pond, Moore's Bar, Pizza King, Purdue Athletics, Wendy's, Wildtree Products and York Automotive.

We couldn't do it without the coverage of our media partners, signage by Chuck Phillips, WREB radio, Banner Graphic, and Hoosier Topics as well as support and attendance from our local first-responders: Putnam County Sheriff's Department, Operation Life, EMA and CERT teams, Greencastle Police Department, Greencastle Fire Department and of course everyone's friend -- Sparky.

This fundraiser is critical to our mission as within the past year in Putnam County, 59 individuals have stood on their front lawn and watched as they lost the use of their home, their business and/or their personal property to a fire.

Just in recent months, more than 100 of Putnam County's finest firefighters braved the bitter cold in an attempt to save one of our local churches; and we were there to ensure these brave individuals remained hydrated and nourished.

And speaking of bitter cold, stranded travelers and Putnam County residents that lost power to heat their homes in January were kept safe and warm in the two local warming shelters that your local American Red Cross provided: 54 individuals were in need of a warm meal, a warm bed, and a warm smile.

Your support to our fundraising efforts helps to offset our costs to providing these services to our community and our neighbors.

We thank you for your generosity and pray that each of you will remain safe and not need our services. But if you do, the American Red Cross will be there to assist. If you were not able to attend our event but would like to send a donation, you may do so at P.O. Box 793, Greencastle.

Putnam County

Leadership Team

American Red Cross

Kathie Skeel