"Bridging the Gulf" Event Raises $16,000

From Barb Ewen, the invaluable vowel in CHEN...

We're tired but proud.

Last evening CHEN PR and Network World sponsored "Bridging the Gulf," an event to bring together members of the high tech community and to raise funds for the American Red Cross efforts to help hurricane survivors. We had 100 attendees and raised close to $16,000 thanks to everyone's collective efforts. Held at the Doubletree in Waltham, we had live music, plenty of food and a terrific silent auction, ensuring that the evening was a good time for a great cause.

As the hurricane disaster headlines in the media have faded, so has the focus and concern for the survivors, who still are in horrible shape. Unfortunately, promises of support haven't materialized and the Red Cross has had to borrow money for the first time ever -- $340 million to date. Out of the $2.3 billion that is needed by the Red Cross, only $1.3 billion has been raised.

The Red Cross has provided financial assistance to more than 1.2 million families, which includes more than 3.7 million hurricane survivors; provided more than 24.5 million hot meals; responded with 190,000+ Red Cross disaster relief volunteers; and set up close to 4 million overnight stays in 1,100 shelters. Certainly the organization's efforts continue to be remarkable.

Even if you couldn't join us last night, you can easily contribute by visiting the Red Cross site.

If you joined us last night or sent in contributions, thank you so much. And if you couldn't join us this year, watch this space. We intend to make this an annual event.