American Red Cross - Washington D.C.
Disaster Relief for Millions
Led by Hurricane Andrew, 1992 was the worst year on record for disasters in the United States. The devastation of Hurricane Andrew inflicted over $21 billion in property damage and left hundreds of thousands of people homeless in South Florida as well as Mississippi and Louisiana. Just four days later, Typhoon Omar caused $250 million in damage in the U.S. territory of Guam, and within two weeks Hurricane Iniki washed 20-foot waves over the Hawaiian Islands, causing $1 billion in damage. These were only three of over 55,000 natural disasters to hit the United States that year. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the American people and friends abroad, the American Red Cross received $172.7 million in contributions and pledges to its Disaster Relief Fund by the end of 1992. These funds enabled the Red Cross to provide millions of disaster victims food, shelter, clothing, medical attention and many other kinds of assistance so they could begin rebuilding their lives. The outpouring of support also allowed the Red Cross to revitalize its disaster relief services and replenish disaster relief reserves so that it would be ready to help our citizens through the next disaster ... which could occur at any time.
What Made It Happen?
As with any high-profile fundraising effort, the activities that go on behind the scenes are pivotal to the campaign's success. Skystone Ryan is proud to have played a backstage role in the highly successful National Campaign for the American Red Cross. In January 1992, the firm conducted a review of the National Headquarters' fundraising operation and recommended a plan to raise $30 million to replenish the Disaster Relief Fund. Elizabeth Dole, President of the American Red Cross, attended regional meetings of the leadership from the top 100 Chapters nationwide to discuss the fundraising plan. Based on information gathered from these meetings and other conversations, Chapter goals were set and the campaign was officially launched. National Headquarters staff served as liaison with the top 200 Chapters, and Mrs. Dole again traveled the country to help solicit top prospects in key cities. In addition to campaign strategy and counsel, Skystone Ryan also provided interim management of the campaign during a time of staff transition at National Headquarters.
After Hurricane Andrew, Typhoon Omar and Hurricane Iniki began their assaults in August of 1992, initial goals were revised and all campaigns shifted into high gear. The fundraising infrastructure in place for the original campaign proved invaluable for handling the enormous support that flowed in from individuals and institutions from across the country and around the world.
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