Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross Oktoberfest 2011 is a resounding success

Rains could not stop the celebration at this year’s Colonial Crossroads Red Cross Oktoberfest. The annual event was a festive success for friends to celebrate the accomplishments of the Chapter. Executive Director Christy Hodde said, “We use Oktoberfest and similar events, to thank our many supporters in the community -- in a celebratory atmosphere for both staff and guests. This was an occasion to catch up on last year’s activities and anticipate our needs for the upcoming year.”   One of the honorees for this year’s event was Dr. Jerome P. Zeldis, CEO of Celgene Global Health and Chief Medical Officer of Celgene Corporation, headquartered in Summit. Celgene Corporation is a major contributor to the cause of developing medication for blood cancers, as well as, a leader in both research and commercialization of cures. The corporation has also been a major contributor to the Chapter. Elissa Cordrey, Director of Development and Marketing for the Chapter notes, “We gain from both in-kind and generous monetary donations by our corporate and community partners. Central to the well-being of the organization is individual efforts for encouraging those around us to participate in these initiatives.” Colonial Crossroads provides multiple services to its communities which include blood drives, extensive health and safety training, and stays true to its other core mission of disaster relief.   This commitment was displayed by its fast response to this year’s floods after Tropical Storm Lee and Hurricane Irene, which spread havoc in the northeastern part of the country. Former Mayor of New Providence, Al Morgan was also honored. Morgan helped update multiple emergency facilities in his borough and actively supported Red Cross services. His work included building a new Rescue Squad Headquarters and Emergency Shelter in New Providence. Colonial Crossroads has also become part of a new effort to revamp its disaster response operations, engaging its volunteers and staff on the ground faster, with more efficient logistics and communication than previously used methods of deployment. During Hurricane Irene, the Red Cross distributed 300,900 meals/snacks, 18,200 clean-up kits, 4,500 comfort kits and had 740 workers taking part in the relief effort in New Jersey alone. The group opened 66 shelters, housing 19,680 people overnight for the duration of the storm.   The Colonial Crossroads Chapter serves the residents of Berkeley Heights, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, East Hanover, Florham Park, Long Hill Township, Madison, New Providence, Springfield and Summit since 1917. To find out more about your local Red Cross, how you can donate your expertise, time, money or blood; or to help your family, business or community prepare for emergencies, visit www.ccnjredcross.org. To find out how you can contribute to our next fundraising event, please contact oktoberfest@ccnjredcross, or call us at 908-273-2076.