Emcee Charlie Neese interviews Susie Hardin and Dwyne Abbott about their experiences with the American Red Cross.

Brentwood Home Page news reports
 “I’ve traveled all around the world and whenever I see the Red Cross symbol, it’s a welcome sight,” entertainer Jo Dee Messina told the 200 people attending the recent 2011 Red Cross Breakfast in Brentwood. “It’s the sign of a safe place.”

Susan Shreve, executive director, and keynote speaker Jo Dee Messina, at the Williamson County Red Cross breakfast

James Selleh, Rachel Waterhouse and Cindi Parmenter.

Randy Wolcott, Joe Walkup, Paul Smith and Mat Waites were among the attendees at the breakfast.

Red Cross volunteers Michelle Marx, Susie Dunham and Don Workman greeted attendees at Brentwood Baptist.

Messina was the keynote speaker at annual fundraiser, held May 10 at Brentwood Baptist Church that benefits the Williamson County Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.  Last week, chapter chairman Vicki Smith said a total of $88,000 had been donated by individuals and sponsors.

 “The money we raised at the breakfast stays in our community to help people when a house fire, flood, tornado or some other disaster strikes,” said Susan Shreve, executive director. “People helping people is what the Red Cross is about.”

In addition to Messina, two other speakers talked about their personal experience with the American Red Cross as they were interviewed by emcee Charlie Neese.

Dwayne Abbott talked about the life-extending blood that was donated to her daughter, Samantha, during treatments for her cancer. “If I could say one thing to people everywhere, it would be to ask them to be a blood donor,” he shared.

Susie Hardin spoke about her experience as a Red Cross volunteer.

 “I became a volunteer because I wanted to give back to my community,” said Hardin.  “It’s very gratifying to be able to comfort and offer help to people when they need it most.”

The Williamson County Chapter serves residents in Williamson, Hickman and Humphreys counties.