Copywriting

Endorsement Letter for
The Greater Ozarks American Red Cross

August 9, 2007


Department of Economic Development
Neighborhood Assistance Program
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Greetings:

Through my volunteer work with the American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter as a research assistant, I have become much more aware of the amazing work that this organization does everyday to provide relief to victims of disasters and to save lives. Their commitment to providing life-saving skills and training not only within our community, but also within twenty-one adjacent counties in Southwest Missouri is a testament to their mission to help people prevent, prepare and respond to emergencies.

During the ice storm in January 2007, over 200,000 homes in Southwest Missouri were without power. The next few nights of record low temperatures left people scrambling to find ways of heating homes to keep their families warm. The Ozarks Red Cross Chapter responded by providing warm beds for families, many with elderly parents and children, with more than 125 shelters, 4,500 cots and 7,300 overnight stays. In response to this disaster, the chapter spent nearly $300,000 over its annual relief budget.

The Ozarks Red Cross has a unique role as a regional leader in emergency response management and as a result has several important priorities, including the "hardening" and reinforcement of the existing building into a disaster-proof headquarters that will withstand high force winds. Combine the strengthening of the headquarters with the chapter's larger vision to become a regional Disaster Relief Center by acquiring adjoining properties, the conversion of existing buildings to facilitate disaster-relief efforts, and it is a lofty goal. However, with a continued desire to foster win-win partnerships within our community and a continued adherence to the mission of helping prevent, prepare and respond to emergencies, I'm sure it is one that is completely within achieving.

My volunteer work has allowed me to see how the Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross has made a positive difference in the lives of many, many people in our community. I am honored and humbled to be associated in a small way with people who have such a positive impact on our community.


Sincerely,


J. Beau Buffington