The American Red Cross Inaugurates First-Ever National Celebrity Cabinet

WASHINGTON, DC -- In a star-studded ceremony held today, the American Red Cross unveiled its first-ever National Celebrity Cabinet whose members have committed to supporting the Red Cross mission for a one-year term of volunteer service.

The extraordinarily talented individuals recruited for this cabinet are an award-winning combination of well-respected television and film actors, music artists, authors and sports figures.

Through participation in assignments that meet the needs of the organization and the interests of the celebrity, members will help to raise public awareness of the important services provided by the Red Cross through more than 1,000 field units, including 36 Blood Services regions and 112 military installations around the world.

The recruitment effort for the National Celebrity Cabinet initiative began in July 2000 culminating in today's inaugural event. While numerous celebrities throughout Red Cross history have supported the organization, this is the first-ever National Celebrity Cabinet supporting the Red Cross for an entire year.

``The Red Cross is honored to be working with these highly recognizable, talented individuals to help raise awareness of the Red Cross, our mission, the services we provide and lives we save,'' said David McLaughlin, Chairman, American Red Cross Board of Governors.

Cabinet members include: Roma Downey, Hector Elizondo, Lonestar, Marlee Matlin, Chi McBride, Tim McGraw, Brian McKnight, Mandy Moore, Nancy O'Dell, Mike Piazza, Jane Seymour and birthday girl

Jennifer Love Hewitt.

They will serve a one-year term.

Additional information about the National Celebrity Cabinet will be featured throughout the year on www.redcross.org, that contain news, updates, and member bios and pictures.

``Throughout Red Cross history celebrities have played an important role in raising awareness of our lifesaving services,'' said Harold Decker, Interim President and CEO of the American Red Cross. ``Today's event is groundbreaking as these celebrities have pledged to educate the public about how the Red Cross provides life-saving support in communities nationwide.''

Earlier today, Celebrity Cabinet members Roma Downey, Nancy O'Dell, Marlee Matlin and Jane Seymour participated in a ceremony, which saluted ``Hometown Heroes'' and announced the cabinet members. The kick-off ceremony was sponsored by the generous support of our premier sponsor, Schwan's, and our supporting sponsor, Target Corporation.

``Schwan's, and each individual that is a part of this company, remains deeply committed to community service and helping our neighbors in Minnesota, in this great nation, and around the world,'' said Alfred Schwan, Schwan's Chairman of the Board. ``By supporting the National Celebrity Cabinet, we know that we will help raise the profile of the Red Cross, and ultimately help it to reach, and bring aid to, even more people in need.''

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is dedicated to saving lives, easing suffering and restoring hope at home and around the world. Currently operating on a budget of $2.7 billion, the Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to the victims of more than 67,000 disasters nationwide and has been the primary supplier of lifesaving blood and blood products in the United States for more than 50 years. In 2000, the Red Cross also trained almost 12 million people in vital lifesaving skills and delivered more than 21 million locally relevant community services. The organization also assisted international disaster and conflict victims in close to 40 locations around the globe, and its emergency communication centers processed 1.2 million calls in support of U.S. military families.