Red Cross Kicks Off Minnesota Centennial with Open House Success

Historical dress-up photo booth. Photo credit: Lynette Nyman/American Red Cross

Story by Red Cross volunteer Tara Niebeling

Thursday, January 19 marked the first of many events in a year-long centennial celebration for the America Red Cross Minnesota Region. Volunteers from across the state gathered to display, experience and share in the huge variety of services the American Red Cross provides to Minnesotans and across the globe. From a visual history of the iconic Red Cross pin to an interactive refugee camp simulation, hundreds of guests took themselves on a self-guided tour through 100 years of rich Red Cross history.

CPR demonstration. Photo credit: Lynette Nyman/American Red Cross

All three floors of the Minnesota region’s headquarters were buzzing with excitement for this milestone. One of my first stops was to learn about fire preparedness. “In my experience, more than half of the fires I responded to were caused by grease pans,” said Meredith Lindley, DAT volunteer for more than a year. “People know candles or kids playing with matches are top causes, but the grease pan in your oven is more dangerous than you’d think.” You can bet I went home and cleaned my grease pan that night!

Emergency Response Vehicle talk. Photo credit: Lynette Nyman/American Red Cross

I then headed to the garage to check out the ERV, or the Emergency Response Vehicle, to get a sneak peek into what the Red Cross road warriors experience when delivering relief all over the country. Red Cross volunteer Richard Underdahl-Pierce answered all our questions about the truck, how many meals it can bring to those in need and how often the truck is in action.

Blood pressure check in the Nurse Assistant Training classroom. Photo credit: Lynette Nyman/American Red Cross

“Tonight we are celebrating what the Red Cross has been over the past 100 years, but also what we’re doing today and what we’re doing going forward in our communities,” said Phil Hansen, CEO of the America Red Cross Minnesota Region. “Reaching this 100-year milestone proves that our mission really resonates with people and continues to do so.”

Centennial celebrations throughout the year include a Dancing with the Stars in Mankato, a celebratory breakfast to recognize corporate and foundation partners, volunteer recognition events, a signature Heroes Awards and Centennial Gala and more. See a complete list of the celebrations and how you can get involved here.

Historical trunk used for Services to Armed Forces. Photo credit: Lynette Nyman/American Red Cross

My many conversations throughout the evening yielded a clear conclusion. The Red Cross has maintained the agility over the years to be flexible according to the needs of the American people. In Minnesota, as those needs have changed and evolved over the past 100 years, so have the programs offered by the organization. This centennial celebration is an opportunity to look back and appreciate how the organization has served the people

Click here to learn more about the American Red Cross Centennial Celebration.