Over the past several days, the American Red Cross of Central Texas has been diligently responding to Hurricane Gustav, which made landfall as a strong Category 2 hurricane Monday in Louisiana, southwest of New Orleans. With the help of partner agencies, the local chapter provided food, shelter and counseling services to more than 500 evacuees in two emergency shelters.

Gustav’s threat, along with Hurricane Ike now threatening the Texas Gulf Coast, combined with last month’s response efforts to Hurricane Dolly and the rash of devastating apartment fires in Travis and Williamson counties, has severely depleted the American Red Cross of Central Texas’ disaster-relief funds. While equipped with dedicated staff and volunteers, the local chapter is suffering financially due to slow donations in the summer months, hurricane aid efforts, and a record number of apartment fire responses.

To help replenish the chapter’s monetary resources, Benihana owner and board member Brad Meltzer will host a fundraising event on September 11, 2008, featuring local media celebrities as chefs.

The event, supported by Honorary Chair First Lady Anita Perry, is part of a series of new creative fundraisers aimed to help the American Red Cross of Central Texas continue its chapter operations that serve nine counties including Travis, Williamson and Hays counties.

Media celebrity chefs include meteorologists, news anchors and sports reporters from KEYE, KXAN, KVUE, KTBC and News 8 Austin along with radio personalities from KLBJ and KGSR who will be cooking the meal “tapanyaki” style and also competing with each other for the most tips.

Tickets for the event are available to the public for $250 at www.centex.redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross
Since 1916, the American Red Cross of Central Texas has provided relief to victims of disaster and helped people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. All disaster assistance is free and the American Red Cross does not receive government funding, relying on donations from the public to operate. The local Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to victims of more than 200 disasters in the counties of Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Lee, Llano, Milam, Travis and Williamson. Powered by over 800 volunteers and less than 20 paid staff, the American Red Cross of Central Texas strives to be the premiere relief and preparedness organization in Central Texas. For more information please visit www.centex.redcross.org or call (512) 928-4271.