Red Cross Club 200 raises over $130K

The American Red Cross raised over $130,000 courtesy of its Club 200 fundraiser earlier this month, according to ARC-NMI Chapter executive director John Hirsh.

Hirsh said during an interview yesterday that the fundraiser’s net income totals between $130,000 and $135,000.

About 1,200 individuals danced to music from the 70’s at the Hyatt Regency Saipan, with the theme for this year’s event dubbed as Disco Inferno.

Hirsh said prizes have already been claimed by winners, including the $25,000 grand prize won by Ronald Hansen, the 2005 Toyota Camry won by Antonio Sablan; and the $5,000 won by Venerando Cruz.

Hirsh said many other prizes have already been claimed beginning this past Monday, including airline packages, and $1,000 cash prizes.

In all, 43 prizes were up for grabs during the raffle, including round trip tickets for two to any U.S. destination, family packages to Japan, Bali, and Korea, cellular phones, $1,000 cash, and weekend packages at various resorts and hotels, and a 12,000 BTU air conditioner, among others. Hirsh said other prizes may still be claimed at the ARC-NMI Chapter headquarters along Airport Road.

“We called some of the winners to follow up, and some are off island,” he said. “[But] we expect more to come in [today] and this week.”

Meanwhile, Hirsh said the organization would also use a small portion of the generated fund to purchase appreciation plaques that would be presented to donors.

“We can’t thank the donors—corporations and individuals—enough for supporting the American Red Cross in the CNMI,” Hirsh said. “Without their support, we can’t provide disaster relief services to the community.”

Funds from the event would be used for disaster relief that would be directly provided to clients, including single family fire victims and people affected by small disasters.

The Club 200 was first initiated on Managaha Island 18 years ago with a crowd of 300 people.

“Now we have 1,200 people, so it’s very fulfilling,” said Juan Pan Guerrero, who chairs the financial development and service delivery for the ARC-NMI Chapter, shortly after the event. “That’s probably one of the reason why I continue [as a volunteer] for the Red Cross. I find that satisfaction in helping. Our chapter is strong and we’re very well recognized nationwide. We provide beyond our mandated programs.”