This is the first in a series written by individuals who contribute financially to the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles. This article is by Buzz McCoy, who has been a part of the Red Cross family since the 1950s. His father, Bowen McCoy, was the chapter’s first manager. In honor of the McCoy family and all their contributions to the Red Cross, the chapter’s planned giving society is named The McCoy Legacy Society.

by Buzz McCoy

My mother and father were Red Cross workers who met at the Long Beach-Compton earthquake in 1933, so you could say: “Red Cross is in my blood.” In the 1950s, I served as a Red Cross youth member, spoke at the 1954 Red Cross annual convention in Los Angeles, and even saved a man’s life using my Red Cross lifesaving skills.

I became active again as an adult and have served as a member of the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles Board of Directors for the past 23 years. I have chaired several committees including the finance, investment, development, nominating, facilities, and executive committees; and I served as chairman of the board for two years in the late 1980s.

As an active business person and banker, I have assisted the chapter primarily in the areas of governance and finance. I have been an annual donor for 23 years, preferring to give unrestricted funds for use primarily in disaster preparedness and training. I made one substantial capital contribution for the blood drawing room at the S. Mark Taper Headquarters located on the Veterans Administration property in West Los Angeles. The room is named for my father and my grandfather, who was Commandant of the Veterans Administration in the 1920s.

I have supported the Red Cross actively now for 28 years because I value its mission of people helping people in times of need, regardless of their race, creed or culture. Unlike many cultural institutions, the Red Cross is a microcosm of our community. The needs are everywhere. You cannot buy your way out of an earthquake, mudslide or fire, and the Red Cross will always be there to help you.