Bears Welcome Red Cross To New Home
Published on February 4, 2010 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Newark Bears News Release
(Newark, N.J., Feb. 4, 2010) - At a ceremony held Wednesday morning, Tom Cetnar III of Bears Baseball, LLC., Phil Alagia, the Chief of Staff to Essex County Executive Joseph L. DiVincenzo, the Honorable Mayor Cory A. Booker, and American Red Cross of Northern New Jersey Chief Executive Officer Ray Shepherd cut the ribbon to open the American Red Cross of Northern New Jersey's new service center, located inside Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium.
The new facility will be staffed by Red Cross workers and volunteers, and will serve as an office location and a training site for emergency, preparedness, and life-saving classes, such as CPR/First Aid, Babysitting, and Water Safety. The Red Cross will conduct training programs in the stadium while the field is not being used for other events. The new facility was graciously made available by Frank Boulton and Tom Cetnar III of Bears Baseball, LLC in an effort to expand American Red Cross services, programs and volunteer opportunities throughout the community.
Mr. Cetnar served as emcee at the ceremony and a press conference that preceded the ribbon cutting. Dignitaries at the event included Robert A. Altenkirch, President of NJIT, Chancellor Steven Diner of Rutgers University, members of the Newark Municipal Council, and American Red Cross of Northern Jersey staff and volunteers. "Frank and I are both excited to be able to offer this space to the American Red Cross," said Cetnar. "This could not have been possible without Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, who opened up his arms and this great county facility and reached out to an organization in a time of need." Cetnar went on to say that, "The Red Cross has always been there for the City of Newark and it is an honor to be able to give back to an organization that has given us so much."
Alagia, spoke on behalf of the County Executive. "Great things will happen at this new facility. The new training center will train much-needed volunteers who will support the community and our residents. We welcome the Red Cross and are appreciate of all they do," stated Alagia. Earlier in the week, DiVincenzo said that the Red Cross and Newark Bears both "have distinguished legacies in Newark and Essex County. For generations, the Red Cross has responded to emergencies and given assistance to our residents in their time of need." DiVincenzo added "the Bears have provided family-friendly entertainment along with a host of philanthropic activities. Their partnership is an example of the commitment both organizations have to the City and County."
"The American Red Cross has been a major partner in our training for and response to all kinds of disasters in the City of Newark for generations," Mayor Booker said. "We have been proud to support their latest work to relieve the suffering of victims of the Haiti earthquake, and prouder still that the Red Cross is increasing its commitment to our City and its residents with this facility." Mayor Book added that the partnership between the City of Newark, Essex County, the Newark Bears, and the American Red Cross is "a manifestation of the spiritual strength and unity that is making Newark a stronger, prouder, and better City. () is now physically able to marry ourselves in a spiritual way with the Red Cross. I am here today celebrating the truth when this physical entity locates here. This means a deeper partnership and a deeper capacity to do good work for people who are in need"
The American Red Cross frequently responds to local incidents in the City of Newark, primarily house and apartment fires. Staff and volunteers have assisted 339 adults and children affected by over 45 disasters in the community since the beginning of 2009.
"We are very appreciative to Frank and Tom and the Newark Bears for their generosity," said Ray Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross of Northern New Jersey. "Having a physical presence in Newark will give the Red Cross a chance to do so much more in the community. Our response times to disasters in the area will decrease, we will be able to provide classes and training on-site while expanding our volunteer base, as well as build new partnerships within the city."
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Red Cross staff and volunteers offered a tour of the facility and an information session on services and programs. The event was open to the community. To find out more about Red Cross programs or services or to make a financial contribution, please visit us at www.redcrossnnj.org or call 1-800-507-6058.
The Newark Bears are a member of the eight-team Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium. For ticket or sponsorship information, call 973-848-1000, or visit www.newarkbears.com.
Atlantic League Stories from February 4, 2010
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
