ARC expresses gratitude for walkathon support

The American Red Cross-NMI Chapter is expressing its gratitude to the people of the Commonwealth for the support they showed during the non-profit organization’s walkathon.

Director John Hirsh said yesterday that, despite the uncertain economic times, the residents of the Commonwealth understand and continue to support the mission of the Red Cross. “The Walkathon this year raised over $45,000 to support the local Chapter activities,” he said.

Whether the relief efforts are for residents here on Saipan or for far away places like South Asia during the tsunami relief or New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, Hirsh said volunteers unfailingly give of their time and money to help the Red Cross.

He said he is grateful to more than 2,700 people on all three islands who joined the walkathon for a healthy, fun filled morning with their families.

Hirsh acknowledged the support of the following companies and individuals for making this year’s Walkathon a success: Coca Cola Micronesia, Subway, Foremost, Western Union, Shell Marianas, DFS Saipan Ltd., Bank of Hawaii, Pacific Telecom, Inc., Bank of Guam, First Hawaiian Bank, IT&E, Island Apparel, Power 99, Marianas Eye Institute, PHI Pharmacy, Winzler & Kelly Engineers, UMDA, Herman’s Modern Bakery, Saipan Stevedore, Pena House, Pacific Islands Club, and Saipan World Resort.

Other sponsors were: Aqua Resort Club, Best Seller Books, Big Dipper Ice Cream, Carmen Safeway Ent., Coffee Care, Coral Ocean Point Resort, Cosmos Distributing, Country House Restaurant, D’Elegance Restaurant, Hard Rock Cafe, Hotel Nikko, Hyatt Regency, Hawaiian Rock, J’s Restaurant, JM Guerrero & Associates, Ace Hardware, Joeten Ent., Jollibee, Kan Pacific, Lollipops, Luen Fung Ent., Marianas Visitor Authority, GTS Enterprises, McDonald’s of Saipan, National Office Supply, Roshi’s, Saipan Photo Lab, Shirley’s Coffee Shop, Triple J Wholesale, Yaong Corp, and GTS Security.

The ARC director also extended his office’s gratitude to the Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor, Department of Parks and Recreation’s Tony Benavente, Sabalu Market Association’s Sid Cabrera, NMC-CREES and NMC-Nursing Students, Ayuda Network, CGC-Tobacco Prevention office, Motheread/Fatheread program, NAMI, and Saipan International School.

Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, MDX Radio Group, Department of Public Health, Department Public Safety-Officer Joe Flores, Saipan Mayor’s office, PSS Commissioner of Education Rita Inos, Public & Private School Walkathon coordinators, Saipan Southern JROTC, and DCCA-NAP.

For more information about the Red Cross, call the Chapter office at 234-3459.