Messina, Neese special guests at fundraiser
Brentwood Home Page news reports
Local Realtor  Susie Hardin is proud to say she has been involved in several disasters.

Exactly one year ago, she was one of the many Red Cross Disaster Assistance Team volunteers that helped local flood victims. In the weeks following the historic event, the Williamson County Chapter of the American Red Cross:

• Opened five shelters, providing beds for 249 people at the peak of the disaster;
• Provide financial assistance to 64 families;
• Served 23,649 meals;
• Handed out 17,980 snacks;
• Distributed 4,638 clean-up kits (broom, mop, bucket, gloves, sponge and bleach);
• Distributed 2,600 comfort kits (personal toiletries); and
• Distributed 40,097 bulk items (such as shovels, rakes, gloves, cases of water and hoses).

Having volunteers trained and equipped to respond to a disaster requires advance preparation and funds.  The Williamson County Red Cross will host its annual fundraising breakfast on Tuesday, May 10, to equip volunteers to do their important work.

This year’s breakfast theme is “It’s Personal.” It applies to the motivation of volunteers such as Hardin and to the assistance given to people whose needs are met by the Red Cross, explained Vicki Smith of Brentwood, chairman of the local chapter.

The 2011 Red Cross Breakfast will be held in Wilson Hall at Brentwood Baptist Church, 7777 Concord Road, with registration beginning at 7 a.m.  Entertainer Jo Dee Messina will be the guest speaker, and Charlie Neese from WTVF will serve as emcee. Messina's own Williamson County home was flooded last year.

The public is invited to attend.  There is no admission price, but attendees will be invited to make a donation to the Red Cross.  Anyone interested in attending the May 10 event can reserve a seat by emailing rsvp@williamsoncountyredcross.org or by calling 790-5785.

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

 “I decided to join the Red Cross two years ago because I wanted to connect with my community and give back locally,” Hardin said. “Getting involved on a local Red Cross Disaster Assistance Team is a way I can help people when they need it most.”

The Williamson County Chapter serves residents in Williamson, Hickman and Humphreys counties. For more information, please visit www.williamsoncountyredcross.org or www.redcross.org.