As we come to the close of Red Cross month, let’s remember that Clara Barton is well known as the founder of the American Red Cross, but it was her remarkable humanitarian efforts during the Civil War that established her reputation as the “Angel of the Battlefield.” She was also an ardent feminist, the first female diplomat, and an important advocate of health and education reform and civil rights. One of my favorite quotes by Barton is “I have an almost complete disregard of precedent and a faith in the possibility of something better. It irritates me to be told how things always have been done …. I defy the tyranny of precedent. I cannot afford the luxury of a closed mind. I go for anything new that might improve the past”.

What insightfulness this woman of valor had during her lifetime; as her legacy lives on. I certainly share her passion for humanity, her vigor for justice and fairness, and I so admire her determination to be a used as a catalyst for change!

One of my responsibilities as Director for the Black Belt American Red Cross is to secure funding for our operational budget that serves (4) counties. Fund-raising is hard in the Black Belt with limited opportunities for support and high unemployment. One must build relationships, establish trust, and think outside the box to survive.  Recently, I’ve been asked why a “Mayors Ball” and my immediate response has been “why not?” As in the spirit of our courageous founder Clara Barton who once said” the door that nobody else will go in seems always to swing open widely for me”!

I’m honored to invite all of the Black Belt to join your American Red Cross on March 31st at 6:30 p.m., for the third annual Mayors of the Black Belt Charity Ball, hosted by the Honorable George Evans at the Carl Morgan Convention Center. We’re excited about our entertainment selection this year, “Brother to Brother Band” from Tuscaloosa with an extensive genre that appeals and satisfies any diverse crowd. Additionally, great food and beverage will be served in grand style with a formal sit down dinner fit for royalty. Partnerships with Longhorn Steakhouse Restaurant in Prattville, Bama Budweiser of Selma, MBC United Wine distributors, and Mr. Sam Golsom decorator extraordinaire; all are graciously working with me to provide a first-class affair for the supporters of the American Red Cross.

Sending invitations may have been the proper thing to do, but in a stressful economy our local Red Cross chose to be wise stewards and utilize the donated dollars for maintaining our local Disaster budget and not spend wastefully on impressive invitations. So, please join us! You may purchase your tickets on Monday or Tuesday only at the Chamber Office, Truax & Company, or the local Red Cross Office. Together, let’s make this event a conversation piece for years to come, because good begets good, and this is a “good thing” for Selma! Should you have any questions or comments, you may contact me at (334) 874.4641.

– Jakki Caldwell-Phillips, Executive Director