Supporters of the American Red Cross’ Santa Maria office congregated on Aug. 21 to celebrate a name change to honor philanthropists James and Jeannie Dodson, who, among others, helped the Santa Maria office transform from an empty warehouse on Skyway Drive to a thriving Red Cross center with state-of-the-art equipment.
The Dodsons had become aware of the organization’s fundraising struggle when they were approached. Convinced and empathetic, James donated enough to build a classroom because he shared the Red Cross’ vision. He also thought the Santa Maria office had a handicap in comparison to Santa Barbara when it comes to fundraising.
“Santa Barbara has all of the money,” he explained, “so I felt that I should give some money to Santa Maria’s needs.”
The Red Cross’ local need especially came to the Dodsons’ attention when they heard about the landslide at La Conchita, when debris fell on both sides of the highway.
The American Red Cross doesn’t receive any funding from the government, so CEO Louise Kolbert expressed her infinite gratitude for the Dodsons’ donation with an anecdote: “It was the kick off-night, and we had met only 95 percent of the fundraising,” she said in her speech. “We were determined to finish that night, so the Dodsons approached us and said that if we could raise a certain amount in that night, they would donate the rest of the needed amount.”
Now, the Santa Maria office offers classes in babysitting, for ages 11 to 15; information about flood control, which could be a daunting reality if the levees protecting Santa Maria ever fail; and earthquake survival, what with Santa Maria sitting so near the San Andreas Fault. Anyone interested in such courses, or yearning to make a difference by volunteering in the 117-year-old chapter, can call 928-0778 or should subscribe to @SBRedCross via Twitter.
Intern Henry Houston compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Aug 27 – Sep 3, 2009.
