Every year since 1943, the President of the United States has declared March as American Red Cross Month. Los Angeles communities and surrounding areas have extra cause for commemorating March as this annual event provides a unique opportunity to recognize the important role Red Cross volunteers play everyday right here in our neighborhoods.

On March 5th, 2008, the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles will host a special celebration to mark the rededication of its headquarters in West Los Angeles.

The former West District Service Center has undergone a major transformation to meet the escalating disaster needs of Los Angeles’ diverse communities. In recognition of a generous donation from the S. Mark Taper Foundation, the building has been renamed the S. Mark Taper Headquarters.

“The continued dedication and support from the S. Mark Taper Foundation gives the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles the tools, resources, and space to expand its capability to provide lifesaving health and safety services in the city of Los Angeles and surrounding areas” said Paul Schulz, Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles. Re-Dedication Open HouseLuncheon, Historical Exhibits, and the Unveiling of the S. Mark Taper Headquarters Signage:

Wednesday, March 5, 2008
1:00 AM – 1:00 PM
11355 Ohio Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90025

The open house and rededication ceremonies will usher in a new era for the Red Cross and honor the generous donation of the S. Mark Taper Foundation in furthering the Red Cross’ humanitarian mission.

The ceremony will include historical exhibits from the fledgling years of the Red Cross movement, a vintage uniform display from WWI and WWII, and cap off with the unveiling of a wall mounted, 25-ft chronological time line detailing the advancement of the Red Cross humanitarian mission in Los Angeles. For more than 90 years, the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross has been carried out in the Los Angeles area.

As a volunteer-led humanitarian service organization, the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles responds to an average of 10 disasters a week in 36 cities, including Los Angeles.

The Red Cross provides relief for victims of house and apartment fires, earthquakes, floods, hazardous material spills, transportation accidents, explosions, and other natural or man-made disasters – 24 hours a day.

Last year, the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles trained nearly 120,000 people in vital life-saving skills while providing direct health services to more than 100,000 people. Everyday, local Red Cross volunteers strive to make Los Angeles a safer and stronger community for all.