NMI Red Cross marks 40

The 40th Annual Club 200 staff pose for a photo during the awarding of the grand raffle prize last Saturday at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan. (Kimberly A. Bautista)

The Commonwealth community came out last Saturday to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter during its 29th Annual Club 200 event.

From business owners to employees, to government staff and community volunteers, individuals from all over came out to help celebrate the milestone, some in costumes in keeping with the theme, which is Rock ‘n Roll to 40 years.

According to American Red Cross NMI Chapter executive director John Hirsh, it’s exciting that the chapter has been up and running for such a long period of time.

“Forty years. It’s hard to believe. It’s really exciting to achieve such a big milestone for our local Red Cross unit here,” he said.

Hirsh said that about 1,000 people came out to celebrate the chapter’s anniversary and that in itself is a testament of how strongly the community has supported the chapter over the years.

“The turnout was good. We have about 1,000 people here…about the same amount as the last few years so we are happy with the turnout,” he said. “This year, we have the VIP tickets that we didn’t have before. Those are for the people who paid $150 to join the event. They got reserved seating…the whole motivation for doing this is to help raise money…everyone here is contributing to support the work that we are doing…. Without the support of these people, we wouldn’t be able to do anything.”

Aside from the buffet and an open bar, the chapter offered several chances for its supporters to win prizes.

There was the chance to win prizes from the Club 200 raffle draw. Individuals were also given the opportunity to buy keys that could open one of the three mystery treasure chests that held over $2,000 worth of prizes.

This year’s grand prize winner of the Club 200 raffle draw was Bernie Helstrom who was not present for the event. Helstrom’s nephew, Rufin Inos Jr., received the prizes for her.

The grand prize was a $10,000 shopping spree redeemable at any one of the Joeten Group of Companies, a Samsonite backpack from T-Galleria, a 12,000 BTU split type aircon, a free two-night stay at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, and a new Samsung Galaxy note 9 with a free one-year contract with IT&E.

The first place raffle winner was Docomo Pacific, the second place winner was Kevin Lavarias, and the third place winner was Julita Villagomez.

The top three winners won two roundtrip tickets aboard Asiana or United Airlines, gift certificates from Let’s Go Tours, and free three-night stay at either Fiesta Resort or Kanoa Resort Saipan.