Local Red Cross plans fund-raisers.

Byline: JEFF WRIGHT The Register-Guard

The economy is shaky and so is many people's ability to give - but the local American Red Cross chapter still has set a record amount, $115,000, as its fund-raising goal for this year's annual spring campaign.

"We're trying to make up for some lost ground," said Jenny Carrick, community relations director for the Red Cross' Lane County chapter. "We usually see bigger donations during the holidays, but there was a dip this year, either because of 9/11 or the economy, or both.

"We realize a lot of people donated a lot of money for the victims of 9/11, and we realize some have given all that they can," she said.

But that's also why the local Red Cross has come up with a couple of fund-raising events where donors can "get something in return," Carrick said.

The first event is a "virtual auction" when people bid for items on the Internet. More than $15,000 in donated goods - including Duck football and Blazers basketball tickets, antiques, river trips, hotel stays and restaurant and gift certificates - will be available for bidding on eBay beginning April 22, Carrick said.

The second event is a Blazers alumni team benefit basketball game to be played May 11 at Lane Community College. The alumni squad - featuring such former players as Darrel Imhoff, Darnel Valentine, Leroy Ellis and Nick Jones - will take on a team of area firefighters. Cost will be $7 for adults, $4 for children.

Firefighters were selected in recognition of their role in helping Red Cross volunteers reach out to fire victims, Carrick said. "They're crucial to making our services possible," she said.

About 70 percent of the local chapter's $1.4 million annual budget is raised through donations, grants and other gifts, with the spring campaign playing a major role, Carrick said. Many donations are designated for specific uses, while money from the spring campaign is used to fill in whatever areas have the greatest need, she said.

In addition to a lousy economy, uncertainty over state support also has Red Cross officials worried, Carrick said. State money, for example, typically helps fund the Meals on Wheels program that Red Cross brings to low-income seniors.

The chapter's spring campaign traditionally begins each March, which was first declared Red Cross Month by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943. About $38,000 has been raised since March 1; "so far, we're on target," Carrick said.

In addition to disaster relief and Meals on Wheels, local Red Cross workers help administer a federal child care food program and provide first aid, CPR and water safety training. The chapter was founded in 1917.

Carrick said it's important that people know that all money raised in the spring campaign stays in Lane County. "This is for local services," she said. "We respond to two or three fires each week, and it's all provided for free. Community support is what keeps Red Cross going."

SPRING CAMPAIGN

Goal: Raise $115,000 by May 11. About $38,000 raised so far.

How to donate: Mail donations to Red Cross, 862 Bethel Drive, Eugene, OR 97402, or donate online at www.redcrosslaneco.org.

Special events: Virtual auction on eBay (www.ebay.com/redcross) between April 22 and May 9; benefit basketball game, Trail Blazers alumni vs. firefighters, 4 p.m. May 11, Lane Community College gym.

More information: Call 344-5244 or visit Web site.