The American Red Cross Martin County Chapter is looking for Martin County High School's next TOP MODEL! Whether you have what it takes to turn heads, or want to show your support for someone who does, teenagers and their friends are encouraged to attend this fundraiser as part of the Youth Measles Initiative. The event will take place on Friday, April 25, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., at St. Mary's Parish Life Center, 701 East Ocean Boulevard, Stuart. Refreshments and prizes will be provided. Models will be charged a $20 entry fee, which will be donated to the Measles Initiative. Tickets are $5.00 in advance, $7.00 at the door. Votes cost $1.00 per vote, with no limitation on the number of votes cast for a contestant. Tickets may be purchased from any Red Cross Youth Volunteer or from Chapter headquarters at 2750 South Kanner Highway, Stuart, Florida. Funds raised will support the American Red Cross and the Measles Initiative. For more information, contact Crystal Knezek, Director of Youth Services, American Red Cross Martin County Chapter, at (772) 287-2002.

The Measles Initiative, a long-term commitment to control complications and death from measles in Africa by vaccinating 200 million children under the age of 15. Globally, measles deaths have been reduced by 39% and in Africa by 60% largely due to the Measles Initiative. Measles is the leading vaccine-preventable childhood killer in the world. Millions of children still remain at risk from measles and many children, particularly under the age of five, will die from it.

There is good news. Measles can be easily prevented with a simple vaccination that costs less than one dollar per child. For more information about the Measles Initiative, visit www.measlesinitiative.org.

The Measles Initiative has been an annual project for the Youth Leadership Program since 2002. The American Red Cross Martin County Chapter's Youth Leadership Development Program is regarded as the most advanced Red Cross youth program in Florida, involving over 180 high-school-age youth volunteers. For more information contact Crystal Knezek, Director, of Youth Services, at (772) 287-2002 or by e-mail at youthdir@martinredcross.org.

Your Martin County Chapter of the American Red Cross is funded by local dollars. The Chapter receives 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.