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American Red Cross Month culminates with special Ball
Governor Togiola and First Lady Mary Tulafono attended the American Red Cross Ball held on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at the Governor H. Rex Lee Auditorium in Utulei.
The event culminated American Red Cross Month, and celebrated the organization’s 85th birthday.
Governor Togiola Tulafono offered remarks about the kind of dedication it takes to keep our local Red Cross chapter alive, commending not only those who served on the Board in years past, like the late Mrs. Fa’au’uga Achica, but also those of the present leadership - Mrs. Brenda Tanoi and the current Board members.
“American Red Cross in American Samoa belongs to the people,” Togiola said. “It is not an organization that calls for volunteers, and it needs money.”
The Governor said that over the past two years, he has asked American Samoa Government employees to donate to this worthy cause, but he is shocked that there are only a few ASG employees helping out the local Red Cross chapter through payroll deduction.
“If everyone of the 4,000-plus employees of ASG donated a dollar every payday, the American Red Cross would receive a total of $4,000 a pay period to help maintain our Red Cross Center and provide the disaster relief service for people in need,” Togiola said.
“I will once again urge every director and employees to please sign up for a $1.00 payroll deduction," he added.
Governor Togiola is doing everything he can to help solicit funds for the Red Cross. This was evident when he acknowledged the advice of emcee Galu Satele, Jr. who invited all the ladies to take a turn dancing with the Governor.
Togiola smiled and said, “Yes, all you lovely ladies are welcome to come dance with me, but it will cost each of you $20 to dance with your Governor, and the proceeds will go to American Red Cross.”
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