The Summit
County American Red Cross broke ground today on its new Service Center. This is the
first time in the Chapter's 85 year history that it will be building a new facility from
the ground up. The turning of the ceremonial dirt was handled by the FirstEnergy C.E.O H.
Peter Burg, who is also the Chapter's Chairman; Mayor of Akron, Don Plusquellic; President
of the Corbin Foundation, Joe Holden; and Facilities Chair for the Summit County Chapter,
Brad Bruggeman. The new Service Center will at the same location at 501 West Market
Street. |
Sketch of soon to be developed Red Cross headquarters on W. Market Street |
"The Summit County Chapter of the American Red Cross has made significant
contributions to the local quality of life for many generations... helping those in need
for almost 90 years. However, when the Chapter measured the changing needs of the
community, as well as capacity to effectively meet those needs, the Board of Directors
concluded a new facility should be built," said Burg. "The strength of our
Chapter rests in the hands and vision of the 22 communities we serve and our volunteer
force. The goal of this new Service Center is to create a stronger, more unified network
of volunteers to better serve each community in preventing, preparing for, and responding
to emergencies," Burg continued. The new Service Center scheduled for completion in
the Fall of 2002, will also house Blood Services.
Founded in 1916, the Summit County Chapter is an independent, non-profit organization
supported by 2,200 volunteers and over 100,000 volunteer blood donors and affiliated with
over 1,300 chapters and 38 blood regions nationwide. The Summit County Red Cross and the
residents of Summit County...Together, we can save a life.
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