ANNUAL REPORT 2017

A MESSAGE FROM THE CEOTo say 2017 was a busy year for the American Red Cross would be an understatement. To emphasize that point, I’m writing this from New York City, where I currently have the honor of serving as Interim CEO for the Greater New York Region. This temporary assignment is the result of a historic period for the organization that occurred just after the end of the Fiscal Year this Annual Report covers.

Starting in late August 2017, the Red Cross launched wide-reaching relief efforts to help people devastated by three historic, back-to-back Hurricanes—Harvey, Irma, and Maria—followed closely by the deadliest week of wildfires in California history. Over 160 volunteers from the Western and Central New York Region left their homes and families for weeks at a time to support those relief efforts. They were part of a workforce that, along with government and community partners, provided more than 1.3 million overnight shelter stays. That’s more than the past five years COMBINED. The Red Cross and our partners also served more meals and snacks—14.7 million--than the past four years combined, distributed nearly seven million emergency relief items, and provided support and comfort for hundreds of thousands of people devastated by these unprecedented disasters.

Having seen the incredible efforts of our volunteers while spending two weeks in Houston as Elected Official Liaison during the response to Hurricane Harvey, I know firsthand that the recovery for those families will take months, even years. I’m in Greater New York because our Division Vice President, Mathieu Nelessen, is currently in Houston leading the long-term Harvey recovery program, while GNY’s leader, Josh Lockwood, has stepped into the DVP role in his absence. However, while the eyes of the world were on these historic hurricanes, our important work continues at home.

I ably accepted this interim assignment because the months between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017 reaffirmed my faith in Regional Disaster Officer (and Interim WCNY Regional CEO) Ken Turner, our staff, volunteers, and supporters. As you’ll read in the coming pages, this amazing team literally saved lives: installing smoke alarms through our Sound the Alarm program to help families safely escape a home fire; teaching Disaster Preparedness, First Aid, and CPR to help individuals prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies; and collecting thousands of blood donations that can each help save up to three lives. Our volunteers provided shelter, food, comfort and support to our neighbors in need following home fires, a massive March 2017 Western New York windstorm, and other disasters, while we continue to support our military members, veterans, and their families.

This vital work is only possible thanks to your support. I’m continually humbled by the way our community steps up to support our neighbors in need down the street, across the country, and around the world. Telethons across the region raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the hurricane relief efforts last fall, while events like the BASH, Fire & Ice, and our Real Heroes Breakfasts, and the day-to-day generosity of corporations and individuals like you helped us provide hope to thousands across our own 26-county region.

While supporting this great mission across the country in the past several months, I also have the opportunity to boast about the amazing team we have right here in Western and Central New York. Thanks to your support, the Red Cross will remain a vital part of this community in 2018 and beyond.

With sincerest gratitude,

Rosie Taravella, Regional CEO

1

The American Red Cross, Western and Central New York Region, is able to provide vital services to this community thanks to your generous contributions made throughout Fiscal Year 2017 (July 1, 2016-June 30, 2017).

OPERATING REVENUES

CONTRIBUTIONS:Corporate, foundation and individual giving: $2,533,876United Way and other federated: $1,353,541Legacies and Bequests: $1,528,111Services and Materials: $ 410,687TOTAL: $5,826,215

OTHER REVENUES:Products and services: $2,353,782Contracts, including Federal Government: $1,275,897Investment Income: $ 153,894Support from American National Red Cross Chapter Network: $1,511,430Other Revenues: $ 158,509TOTAL: $5,453,512

TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES: $11,279,727

IN OUR COMMUNITY

PROGRAM EXPENSES:Services to the Armed Forces: $ 664,930Biomedical Services: $ 288,553Community Services: $ 445,377Domestic Disaster Services: $4,398,773Health and Safety Services: $2,783,106 International Relief and Development Services: $ 13,285TOTAL PROGRAM EXPENSES: $8,594,024

SUPPORTING SERVICES:Fundraising: $2,107,053Management and General: $ 578,650TOTAL SUPPORT SERVICES: $2,685,703

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES: $11,279,727

OPERATING EXPENSES

2

PRESIDENTIAL HONORS FOR LIFESAVING EFFORTS

On February 16, 2017, American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern visited Corning, Incorporated, one of the largest companies in our region. The day began with Gail attending Corning’s annual recognition breakfast for employees who participate in their robust blood drives. She spoke openly about Corning’s incredible 51% employee participation in the drives, which yield approximately 2,500 units each year.

“Corning’s efforts to rally executives to serve as blood drive champions and to establish such a workplace culture is truly amazing,” Gail said. “I’m inspired by the tremendous humanitarian spirit that Corning employees and leaders display every day.” Gail also co-presented awards and raffle prizes to employees and department leaders as part of Corning’s incentive program to assure strong blood drive participation.

After a private tour of Corning’s Sullivan Park Research and Development Laboratory, Gail then came to the Corning Museum of Glass, where she had lunch with some of our board members from around the region and discussed the state of the Red Cross and upcoming initiatives. At lunch Dr. James Schuppert, who organizes all of Corning’s blood drives, presented Gail with a Steuben glass keepsake. The day ended with Gail having the opportunity to make her own glass flower in the museum’s “hot shop.”

“I was thrilled to have such a fun, fascinating, and hands-on experience creating my own glass flower,” Gail said, who also commented that this was one of her favorite donor visits in her tenure. “The trip was so inspiring for me. Corning is such a special company – from their innovations, community service, dedication to helping others, and incredible hospitality. The entire day was so very special.”

Corning, Incorporated is estimated to have donated 64,000 units of blood since 1985. Each successful blood donation can help save up to three lives, meaning Corning has potentially touched 195,000 lives in the past 30 years. To learn more about blood donation, and to schedule your own donation appointment, please visit www.redcrossblood.org.

3

HIGHLIGHTS FROM FY 2017

155,199 Blood donations from volunteer donors

Approximately 120 hospitals served by NY-Penn Blood Region

WINDSTORM BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHEROn March 8, 2017, wind gusts that at times reached over 80 miles per hour ripped through the western part of our region, leaving thousands without power. Our disaster teams responded immediately, operating and/or supporting 15 Red Cross and community shelters across Greater Rochester, Western New York, and the Finger Lakes, providing 415 overnight stays for families in need over a six-day period, some of whom did not have their power restored until almost a week after the windstorms occurred. With the help of our amazing volunteers and disaster staff, we served over 17,000 meals and snacks for the displaced, distributed more than 345 relief items, and provided 280 health and mental health contacts.

We also received help from our board members and fundraising staff in securing donations to support our disaster response and recovery efforts. Over $174,000 was raised, including gifts from Rochester Gas and Electric/Avangrid, National Grid, the United Way of Greater Rochester, the Polisseni Foundation, the Farash Foundation, the Ginna/Exelon Corporation, and individuals who responded to a telethon that was broadcast on Rochester’s WROC-TV on March 13.

“Great work by all. My offices report that the Red Cross is providing an invaluable service and we are so pleased to be a part in some small way,” said Ron Papa, President of NFA-National Fire Adjustment Co., Inc., and a Western New York Chapter board member. We also received a handwritten note of thanks from three of the residents of our shelter at the Batavia V.A.

In the middle of that operation, our WNY Chapter also opened a shelter to support nearly 90 people displaced by a multi-unit apartment fire in the City of Buffalo early that Saturday morning. The Red Cross responds to over 64,000 disasters every year. For more information, visit www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster-relief.

VOLUNTEER’S PICTURES SPEAK A THOUSAND WORDSYou may not know who Chuck Haupt is, but you’re probably familiar with his work. In fact, he took the picture that graces the cover of this document. A former Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin photographer, Haupt has responded to 17 natural disasters during his nine years as a Red Cross volunteer.

“I’m absolutely astounded with the amount of damage a storm can cause,” the Owego resident says. “People came together to take care of each other. It was amazing to see neighbor helping neighbor.”

After helping in damage assessment and mass care following the March 2017 windstorm, Haupt used his amazing photography talents to help tell the story of how the Red Cross was supporting this community. The cover photo of four-year-old Jecek Mulararian and his sister Charsidy at the Gantt Center in Rochester is one of the iconic images of that response.

“When a victim of a disaster gives you an ever so sincere hug for helping them help themselves is why I volunteer with the Red Cross.”

The Red Cross has volunteer opportunities and schedules to fit everyone’s schedule, skill set, and interests. To start your own Red Cross story, please visit www.redcross.org/volunteer.

4

HIGHLIGHTS FROM FY 2017

3,189 Dedicated volunteers supporting our community

SOUND THE ALARM, SAVE A LIFELike all the tenants of her Bailey Avenue apartment complex in Buffalo, Miriam Martinez was sound asleep when fire broke out in January.

“It all happened so fast,” Martinez says. Luckily, she was awoken by a smoke alarm that had been installed by American Red Cross volunteers only three weeks earlier.

“That will save your life,” she said, explaining that she encourages others to have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors installed. Unfortunately, Martinez knew the importance of being prepared, as this was the third house fire she’s suffered in her life.

“I’m grateful for Red Cross, they came immediately,” she told us when this latest fire broke out in her apartment. The Red Cross provided temporary housing, food, clothing, and support for 17 people, including Martinez, after this fire destroyed their apartment complex.

Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. Since launching the Home Fire Campaign in 2014, installing free smoke alarms and providing fire safety information, the Red Cross and our partners have saved over 300 lives across the country, including Miriam’s and her son’s, as well as lives in Rochester, Lodi, and Jamestown.

In the spring of 2018, the Red Cross will Sound the Alarm, installing 2,000 smoke alarms across Western and Central New York between April 28-May 13. Join us to save lives by volunteering to help Sound the Alarm, making a financial contribution, or taking steps to protect your loved ones from home fires, by visiting www.soundthealarm.org.

5

HIGHLIGHTS FROM FY 2017

1,357 Families assisted after 840 home fires and other disasters

5,043 Smoke alarms installed in homes that needed them

68,525 People trained in First Aid/AED/CPR and other Health & Safety courses

EXTRAORDINARY PERSONAL ACTIONS SAVE A LIFE“I saw an elderly lady hunched over and I knew it didn’t look right,” Caitlin McKinnon said as she recounted her actions.

Caitlin was shopping at Trader Joe’s in Pittsford, NY, when she heard a woman yelling, “Mom, Mom! Someone help!!” Caitlin, a registered nurse, carefully brought the woman to the floor and felt for a pulse. Caitlin immediately began CPR, and within about 30 seconds, the woman took a breath. When the ambulance arrived, the elderly woman had a pulse, and was able to speak.

“Caitlin in my mind has always been a hero because of the career she is in,” said her sister, Lindsay. “But during an ordinary day at the grocery store, she continues to help others when in need.”

In March, the Red Cross was proud to present Caitlin the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action. This certificate is awarded to individuals who save or sustain a life by action that exemplifies the mission of American Red Cross Preparedness, Health and Safety Services.

If you’d like to learn how to perform CPR, use an AED, or other First Aid skills that may help save the life of someone you love, visit www.redcross.org/take-a-class, or contact Ken Vorie at 716-878-2148 or ken.vorie@redcross.org to schedule a training at your school, business, or organization.

EVERY PARENT’S WORST NIGHTMAREMomentarily losing sight of a child can be a terrifying experience. Losing a child for years—almost unfathomable. But for thousands of families around the world, separation is a reality they wake up to every single day. The number of families separated by conflict, violence and natural disaster is at a five-year high.

The global Red Cross Red Crescent network is combatting this issue by helping reunite family members. Last fiscal year, the American Red Cross helped nearly 9,400 family members to search for loved ones who were separated during international conflicts and disasters.

“Reuniting families is as important to the humanitarian mission as providing food or shelter or water. It is about restoring people’s dignity and reconnecting them with the people they love,” said Matt Clancy, from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Those looking for loved ones separated by conflict, war, migration, or natural disaster may be able to receive help from the Red Cross. To begin a search, contact your local Red Cross chapter or call our free national helpline at 844-782-9441.

HELPING MILITARY FAMILIES GET TO KNOW US

The American Red Cross has a long history of providing service to members of our nation’s armed forces and their families during conflicts, peacekeeping or humanitarian operations.

At Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) across the country, Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) volunteers conduct “Get to Know Us Before You Need Us” briefings to ensure that new service members and their families are familiar with the menu of Red Cross programs and services.

“We inform and prepare each family to navigate through family emergency knowing they can reach their service members when needed, and the American Red Cross is their partner for life,” says SAF Regional Community Volunteer Lead Mike Hoplight.

In the Western and Central New York Region, the solid foundation for our partnership was set several years ago at the Niagara Falls/Buffalo MEPS. During the fiscal year, 3,077 family members were presented with this valuable information.

In November 2016, the region proudly set up operations at the Syracuse MEPS. Using the Niagara Falls/Buffalo experience as a model, Central New York SAF volunteers are greeting incoming service members with the same level of excellence. Through their dedication, 1,825 family members received this Red Cross support.

Thanks to our relationships with key community partners, military families rely on the Red Cross to help them identify their needs and connect them to the most appropriate Red Cross and community resources. Red Cross services range from emergency communications, responding to emergency needs for food, clothing, and shelter, referrals to counseling services, respite care for caregivers, and other resources that meet the unique needs of local military members, veterans and their families.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM FY 2017

32 Families separated by war or civil unrest received help

2,024 Military families reconnected via emergency communciations services

6

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

CENTRAL NEW YORK CHAPTER344 West Genesee StreetSyracuse, NY 13202315-234-2200

GREATER ROCHESTER CHAPTER50 Prince StreetRochester, NY 14607585-241-4400

FINGER LAKES CHAPTER123 West Market Street

Corning, NY 14830607-936-3766

SOUTHERN TIER CHAPTER620 East Main Street

Endicott, NY 13760607-785-7207

WESTERN NEW YORK CHAPTER786 Delaware Avenue

Buffalo, NY 14209716-886-7500

Proudly supported by: