INDIANTOWN, Florida/January 24, 2008- Once again, the MartinCounty and North Treasure Coast Chapters of the American Red Cross will be holding the annual Heroes for the American Red Cross Campaign. Martin will kick-off this three-week long campaign on March 13, with the North Coast Chapter of St. Lucie and Indian River counties launching their campaign on March 17. The goal of the 2008 Heroes for the American Red Cross Campaign is to raise at least $100,000 to provide Red Cross services to Martin, St. Lucie and Indian RiverCounty residents. The funds raised will make it possible for Red Cross to respond to the many disasters that may occur locally, such as house fires, wild fires, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes.

To make sure there are funds available for local disasters, the AmericanRedCrossMartinCounty and North Treasure Coast Chapters are looking for Heroes who agree to raise at least $1,000 for their local Chapter. This can be accomplished with a single check, or by soliciting donations from co-workers, clients and friends, for example. You may also become an on-line Hero by visiting the AmericanRedCrossMartinCounty website at www.MartinRedCross.org or www.ntc-redcross.org and donating online. "Virtual Heroes will be a special challenge for everyone this year," said Davis. A special website for the Heroes campaigns is under construction. The site www.HeroesForTheAmericanRedCross.com will be officially announced within the next few weeks.

Martin County Supervisor of Elections, Vicki Davis, and L.C. Campbell, Jr. have again been selected to co-chair the Heroes for the American Red Cross campaign in MartinCounty for 2008. Mary Lynn Carter, Community Volunteer, Fort Pierce; Patti Parks, Community Volunteer, Ft. Pierce; Yolando Hewling, Attorney, Rosenthal and Levy, Port St. Lucie; and Thomas Kiernan of Bank of America, Vero Beach are Hero co-chairs for the American Red Cross North Treasure Coast Chapter. The Heroes campaign kick-off for this chapter is March 17.

In addition to Hero opportunities, a variety of sponsorships are also available for the Heroes for the American Red Cross fund raising campaign. Heroes and sponsors receive significant publicity throughout the Heroes fundraising campaign and are recognized during a special kickoff and wrap-up event.

Won't you help Red Cross help your neighbors, saving lives, touching hearts and helping others? To volunteer as a Hero, make a donation or obtain a sponsorship, contact Mary Jones, American Red Cross Martin County Chapter at (772) 287-2002, or Bob McCarthy, Development Director, American Red Cross North Treasure Coast Chapter at (772) 562-2549.

Your MartinCounty and North Treasure Coast Chapters of the American Red Cross are funded by local dollars. The Chapters receive no Federal, State or local tax funding. To donate your dollars or your time, contact the American Red Cross Martin County Chapter at (772) 287-2002 or visit the Chapter headquarters at 2750 South Kanner Highway, Stuart, Florida, 34994; or the American Red Cross North Treasure Coast County Chapter at (772) 562-2549 or visit the Chapter headquarters at 2506 17 th Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida, 32960.

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