Red Cross gets big boost with building

The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada has rebounded. Only a few years ago, the financial foundation of the local chapter was shaky.

Now the chapter has turned around and opened a new facility at 3672 N. Rancho Drive at the intersection of Rancho Drive and Gowan Road.

Board Chairman Dennis Macready said two years ago, six remaining board members and a handful of professional staff members decided to start over and save the chapter.

Since then, the local Red Cross board has worked together as a team, along with chapter CEO Cathy Tisdale, to set and reach the goal of taking the organization into the future.

"We've put together strategic plans and dreams," board member Ted Rodriguez said at the ribbon cutting for the new headquarters. "This facility is a dream. Las Vegas needs the Red Cross. Las Vegas needs this chapter."

At 5,400 square feet, the new facility is twice the size of the chapter's old home at 1330 E. Karen Ave. The new outside structure is leased. Inside custom renovations cost the Red Cross $225,000.

In addition to expanded office space, the building includes two large classrooms. The classrooms can be used for employee and volunteer training, and by members of the community. In the event of a local catastrophe, both rooms are fitted with multiple telephone and data lines to accommodate a disaster operations center.

"That's important because if we had any kind of disaster we would pretty much be ready to go," said chapter representative Heather Ramirez.

The new facility also has a large storage area, making first-aid training equipment and literature more accessible.

Rodriguez said the building could not have gone up without the assistance of volunteers and donors. Some donated cash while others donated products or services -- all were honored at the ribbon cutting reception June 14.

The list of donors includes: Adobe Communication Electronic, Alarmco, ASAP Trophy, Bekins Distribution Services Co. Inc., Capital Cabinet Corp., Carey's Carpet and Furniture, Century Steel, Commercial Construction Cleaning, Daltile Corp., Dupont Flooring Systems, Gibson Tile and Marble Co. Inc., Home Depot, Hufcor Airwall, James E. Stroh Architects Inc., Kirvin Communications Group, Lloyd's Refrigeration, Macahbee Office Environments, Millers Rentals, Mustang Tile of Nevada Inc., Nevada Water, Office Depot, Origin Brand Identity & Design, Rancho/Gowan Business Park, The Markham Group, Tri-Co Floors, Wallace Las Vegas, the United Way of Southern Nevada, the Valley Health System and Vista Paints.

More than $150,000 in donations were given to complete the project. One anonymous donor gave $50,000, requesting only that the donation be made in honor of dedicated volunteers.

Rosemary's Restaurant and Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada provided hors d'oeuvres and wine for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Donors, board members, staff and volunteers gathered to celebrate the occasion.

Ramirez said the new building should help attract more clients from the community.

"With the added space we can offer more CPR classes, more work place training classes and more first-aid. That brings in more revenue," Ramirez said.

Revenue is used to fund the Red Cross missions of emergency preparation and education.

For more information about the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada, call 791-3311.