MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

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Discussion

July 28, 2010

Red Cross donors could win staycation

By Wendy Burton Times Editor

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American Red Cross donors could win a “staycation” from Tahlequah area businesses that includes two nights of camping and a float trip, two dinners, massage, and bowling games in Tahlequah.

All proceeds from the drawing, that ends Aug. 9, benefit local disaster victims, said Director Ryan Hardaway.

Peyton’s Place campground, Thunderbowl, Reflections Medical Spa, Grand China, and Go Ye Village Dining room all donated the prizes.

Tickets can be picked up at the local service center at 566 N. Sixth St. or by calling 682-1366.

Over the last three years, the American Red Cross has assisted between 69 and 114 families each year in the local service area.

Between Muskogee, Adair, north McIntosh, and Cherokee counties, the local service center has given an average of $100,000 a year, Hardaway said.

The Staycation fundraiser could help many area families displaced by fire, flood, or other disasters.

When a family loses their home, the Red Cross provides at least two days of hotel stay, two days of food for the whole family, and least two sets of clothes per person, Hardaway said.

That usually averages to about $1000 for a family of four, according to national averages.

“It’s a gift from the American people to the American people because it’s donated money that does all that,” Hardaway said.

The Muskogee service center also needs volunteers for numerous tasks.

“Red Cross was built on neighbors helping neighbors,” Hardaway said. “We need trained volunteers and donors.”

Trained volunteers can be health and safety instructors, part of a disaster action team, or work with displaced families.

Donations are just as important to the organization.

“The donated dollar goes a long way for the Red Cross,” he said. “And it will always go to the local disaster clients.”

Reach Wendy Burton at 684-2926 or wburton@ muskogeephoenix.com.



About the event

American Red Cross Staycation Benefit Drawing Aug. 9

Tickets: Donors receive one ticket per dollar donated or six tickets per $5 donated.

Winner of the drawing receives:

• One float trip and two nights camping at Peyton’s Place on the Illinois River.

• Two games of bowling for four at Thunderbowl.

• One 1-hour massage at Reflections Medical Spa.

• Lunch or dinner for two at Grand China.

• Dinner for four at the Go Ye Village Dining Room.

To purchase tickets or more information:

Reach Jessica Smith at 682-1366 or jsmith@arctac.org.

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