Red Cross Fund Raiser Surpasses All Expectations

Sonora, CA — Organizers of a fundraiser Wednesday at the Sonora location of the American Red Cross are astounded with the results.

Rescue Relief 2005 far surpassed all expectations raising a total of $119,679 to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Joe Ayer, Chief Operations Officer for the Sacramento-Sierra Chapter of the American Red Cross, said it´s “phenomenal” to see so many people turn out to give to “people they have probably never met or don´t even know,” and that “it´s just awesome to be a steward of that.”

Clarke Broadcasting stations KVML, KZSQ and KKBN were on hand providing live, on-air updates from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The original goal of $50,000 was exceeded before the event was half over.

Ayer says all of the money raised during the fundraiser will be earmarked specifically for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, with about 6% going to administration costs. He adds that the funds will be wired to Red Cross operations in the inflicted areas as soon as possible.

Ayer says that Wednesday´s effort is only the beginning as more evacuees are expected to arrive in Northern California in the weeks to come. He describes the local role of the Red Cross as a “long-term process” in the ongoing relief effort.

Anyone who missed making a donation during the event can still go by the office on Mono Way next to the Junction Shopping Center.

Ayer says the Sac-Sierra chapter of the American Red Cross covers nine counties in the greater Sacramento region, including Tuolumne and Calaveras, making it one of the largest chapters in the nation.

Donations can also be submitted online at the Sac-Sierra Red Cross web site.