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St. Marys native helps implement Red Cross fundraising efforts |
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Written by Publisher
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Thursday, 07 February 2008 |
 David Larkin, of St. Marys, was recently named Regional Fundraising Associate for the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. In his new position, Larkin travels within the west central area of the state, visiting its seven Red Cross chapters to help increase their local fundraising dollars.
By Amy Cherry
Daily Press Staff
While recently named Regional Fundraising Associate, St. Marys native David Larkin frequently travels throughout west central PA visiting the seven regional American Red Cross offices in order to increase the chapter’s capacity to raise funds locally.
As part of his new position, Larkin’s main goal is to generate income to support regional projects and staff and assist with project management of special events and activities
“Since starting at the Red Cross, I’ve met with all the chapters to discuss their financial development activities to date and their current financial situations. We’ve worked together to target one project which we will implement within each chapter,” noted Larkin.
Larkin’s coverage area encompasses a total of 11 regional offices serving seven chapters including Elk/Cameron Counties, DuBois, Clearfield/Jefferson, Indiana, Southern Alleghenies-Altoona, Keystone Chapter-Johnstown and Centre Communities-State College. There are a total of nine regions within the state, with this area designated as part of the Northeast Service Area, based out of Worchester, MA.
In 2006, a total of 401 local families were assisted with disaster relief services within the west central PA region, which has a population of 871,674 people.
Larkin attends regular meetings of the Regional Advisory Committee, which convenes in Clearfield. In attendance at each meeting are the executive director and one volunteer from each of the seven regional chapters.
With a mere 50 employees the region’s Red Cross offices rely heavily on volunteers. Approximately 10,130 residents act as volunteers within the region while 25,151 are enrolled in or are certified in first aid and CPR.
“The Red Cross could not function without the help of its many volunteers,” Larkin said.
While he currently works out of the Elk/Cameron County Chapter office in St. Marys, Larkin spends much of his time traveling throughout the region.
As Red Cross Month approaches in March, Larkin has begun working on regional public relation and advertising campaigns, some of which will appear on various television and radio stations.
Chosen from a field of 60 candidates, Larkin began working for the non-profit organization on Dec. 19.
“We’re thrilled to have him here and are very optimistic about the support he’ll be giving in the future. He’s already been a huge benefit in moving our financial development plans forward,” said Mary Kucenski, executive director of the Elk/Cameron County Chapter. “He’s opened a lot of doors for us, with his connections to the community.”
In addition to his new position at the Red Cross, Larkin is also a member of the St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors, member of Leadership Elk County, president of the Young Professionals of Elk County, member of the Elk/Cameron Board of Realtors, and a volunteer for the Letters From Home program.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 08 February 2008 )
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