Posted: August 20, 2010

Wanda Austin has been elected chair of the board of directors of the Hampton Roads Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross

I took over as chair in July. I've actually been a volunteer for the Red Cross for several years and working on the board for the last four. I served on the financial and executive committees. I chaired the development committee and co-chaired the capital campaign. Last year I was the vice chairman of the board. I became interested in the Red Cross after attending its Board and Friends Breakfast event. I was very impressed with the stories I heard at the event. It was inspiring to hear of how the Red Cross touches lives on a daily basis. Like most people, I was unaware of all of the things that the Red Cross does. Everyone is familiar with its blood donor campaigns but not many folks realize that they offer CPR, first aid and lifeguard training. The Red Cross also serves at-risk seniors through Meals on Wheels. The organization also works with the Armed Forces. If there is an emergency in the states, the Red Cross will put you in contact with soldiers abroad and help expedite their return home if necessary. When most people think of the Red Cross they think only about the emergency services for fire, flood and hurricane victims. Their work in the community that inspired me to get involved.

Priorities as chair

My top priority is to ensure our chapter is effectively delivering our mission, which is preventing, preparing and responding to emergencies in our community. My job is also to develop our leaders and concentrate on delivering quality service, which is educating the people and telling the Red Cross story. We want people to know who we are and what we stand for. We just recently moved into our new building on Pembroke Avenue in Hampton. We are hoping to build an endowment fund so we can sustain all of our efforts, and the local chapter remains on solid financial ground. We have a long way to go but we're excited to move in that direction.

Upcoming campaigns

Our major fundraiser, The Board and Friends Breakfast, is coming up in September. This is our 12th year doing the event, which invites people to come out and learn about the Red Cross and our mission. We also have the Dress Down Under event held in the spring at the Mariners' Museum featuring music and a silent and live auction. In addition, we have the Heroes Campaign, where various organizations and individuals pledge to raise a thousand dollars.

Giving back

It's important. We wouldn't be a community if people weren't willing to give up their time, money and efforts. I think it's the right thing to do, plus I enjoy people and helping them. I'm very blessed that I'm in a position to do that. I've been here all my life and this is my community. Being involved with various organizations helps me meet people that inspire me. Although the Red Cross takes up a considerable amount of enjoyable time, I work on various boards including the Riverside Behavioral Health Center in Hampton and the Junior League of Hampton Roads, which I have been a member of for 20 years. People looking to volunteer need to make sure it's the right fit for their lifestyle. You must believe in the organization. It should be a labor of love.

My legacy

I want to be remembered as a person who touched many lives in a positive way.