News

Red Cross kicks off Heroes campaign for 2010

By SEAN ELY, Argus-Press Staff Writer

Monday, February 8, 2010 10:09 AM EST

Tom Cook, of the Cook Family Foundation and Owosso City Council, was the guest speaker Thursday morning to kick off the Heroes Campaign. Argus-Press Photo by Sean Ely

CORUNNA - The goal is $55,000. The deadline is just 55 days away. The leader is the Shiawassee Branch of the American Red Cross.

It's time to become a hero - raising money through a campaign to keep revenues in Shiawassee County, helping victims of disaster, supporting blood services and providing food to families in need.

Thursday morning's Heroes Breakfast kicked off the sixth annual Heroes Campaign at the Shiawassee Branch of the American Red Cross with guest speaker Tom Cook who discussed the difference between being “successful” and being “significant” in society.

“We're successful (just by) being born in the United States,” said Cook, of The Cook Family Foundation. “Think if you were born in Haiti, where your position in the world would be today. We're all in a position, in some way, to give back and to help out.”

The yearly event raises funds to support local services. Dozens of donors and local supporters gathered Thursday to pick up fliers, donation containers and share information about the campaign.

“Any gift of any size is appreciated - some raise more than $1,000 while some raise less,” said Cheryl Peterson said.

Currently, 23 businesses and organizations are signed up and participating as ‘Heroes' for the campaign.

Cook cited author Stephen Covey and the need for physical, emotional needs, intellectual needs and spiritual needs and how life isn't complete unless an individual has all of them.

“The need to live, love, learn and to leave a legacy,” Cook said. “But the greatest fulfillment comes in our empowerment to more effectively reach out and help others ... living for something higher than self - that's what the Red Cross (and the campaign) is all about.”

He said to make a donation and look for a level of significance in what you do.

Covenant Eyes, 321 N. Shiawassee, is taking part in a “matching challenge” initiative. For every dollar raised over $1,000 by newly-participating individuals or small-member teams, they will match that amount up to an additional $1,000.

“We thank you for becoming a hero for the American Red Cross and we stand ready to provide you with any support,” said Owosso Public Safety Director Mike Compeau Thursday morning's emcee for the Hero Breakfast at the Service Center.

Taste of Shiawassee, the first major event of the Hero Campaign, is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1259 E. M-21, allowing 19 local food service providers to sample bite-size tastes of their best delicacies.

Tickets are $15 or $25 for a pair and can be purchased by calling 743-6118.

The fourth annual Camel Races will take place at 5:30 p.m. March 6 at GiGi's Banquets & Catering, 3144 E. M-21 in Corunna, sponsored by The Curwood Festival featuring a buffet-style dinner, races, raffles and a cash bar. Tickets are $20 by calling the number above.

“We've sold out the last couple years, so get your tickets now,” Janet Wilt said.

Peterson said it's not too late to volunteer as an official “hero.”

“Even after today if there is an individual or business who has an interest in becoming a part of the campaign in some way, we would be pleased to have them on board with us,” she said.

In 2009, 3,740 units of blood from 4,005 donors were collected from more than 60 drives in the area. Disaster volunteers responded to 25 local disasters as well, handing out blankets, clothing and emergency support to 65 individuals.

Fifteen mobile food pantries aided more than 9,000 people and 2,003 individuals (770 families) received food from the Shiawassee Service Center Food Pantry.

About 250 people were trained in lifesaving first aid and CPR skills last year as well.

For more information, visit http://www.midmichiganredcross.org or call 743-6118.

Comment on this Story

owosso citizen paying taxes wrote on Feb 10, 2010 12:19 PM:

" First of all,let us look at the true meaning of government. It isn't to increase management staff, and to have beautiful parking lots, etc. Rather it is to provide for the welfare and safety of its citizens, and going to MMR and a full time paid volunteer fire department, will not be providing for the welfare and safety of the Owosso citizens, but rather it will be detrimental to them. Same dollars paid for property taxes, and less service. Higher homeowners insurance premiums, and far less protection. Wake up Owosso citizens and make your voice heard now, or forever suffer the consequences. "

confused wrote on Feb 8, 2010 10:31 AM:

" Must tell if you think the city is going to cut anyones per household taxes if they make the switch to MMR your very WRONG. The fact is when MMR comes to help your Grandma or Grandpa up because they fell they will be charged $150. And may I advise you that your child like name calling shows that you have a personal problem with the fire dept. that probbably goes much deeper than saving tax payer dollars. I encourage anyone that would like more information to attend meetings and not get you information from the nameless faceless simpleton "must tell". Also I am sure if you stop by the fire fighters will be glad to shed light on the positive thing they and the community have to offer. "

must tell wrote on Feb 7, 2010 3:15 PM:

" first of all if you look at the pie chart ofd you will see that the biggest part of the citys budget is fire dept.know the ofd wanted that new fire truck at a cost of app. 800K.

if they go with mmr on ambulance only it will be a cost savings of app. 37.00 per house hold on there yearly taxs, but what does ofd care there are ONLY 2 FIREMAN THAT PAY CITY TAXS.

if it was not for MIKE COMPEAU the ofd would run wild.

the ofd should be more concerned about there health have you seen the size of some of these guys, there not missing any meals.

as for TOM COOK he is one of the fab 4 that gave problems to fivas and thats 1 reason that fivas is leaving, and that will cost the tax payers money in the long run, thanks COOK. "

owosso tax payer wrote on Feb 6, 2010 2:30 PM:

" The Owosso City Fire and Ambulance are on the chopping block. The council is going to try and put a vote through by the end if this month. How can they act this fast on something so important when they take forever deciding on less important issues. Please contact your council members and let them know we do not want a change in our service. I believe the next meeting is on Feb. 20th...check for date and times and location. As tax payers we cannot let this happen. I for one do not want to pay more for my home owners insurance either. "

Argus Reader wrote on Feb 6, 2010 6:15 AM:

" Have you people and mostly the council forgot. Get rid of your Director of Public Services. Take the money saved and finance at least two full time firemen that will serve you not just take your hard earned dollars. Where is Burt anyway when you need him. "

Confused wrote on Feb 5, 2010 4:59 PM:

" How can Tom Cook be the guest speaker for a heroes campaign and then sit on city council and call for the dispanding of our full time fire dept. and ems. The Owosso fire dept. has an outstanding history as the go to ambulance service when other communities over tax their resources (i.e. MMR being on mutual aid in Durand and Owosso Twp.) Furthermore on the occasions that I have encountered OFD members I found them to be 100 times more professional than MMR. I hope Owosso residents share the same sence of pride in their fire dept that I do. Also dont be fooled the privatization of EMS, and having a paid on call fire department will cost you more. Ask your property insurance provider. "