(PHOENIX) April 20, 2010 – The American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter is hosting the third annual Community Leaders Breakfast on Thursday, April 22 at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. The keynote speaker is General Victor E. Renuart, Jr., Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, Peterson Air Force Base, CO.

The community outreach event will help the Red Cross raise critically needed funds for local programs and services. We are in one of the worst recessions in history with record level unemployment and home foreclosures.

“Now, more than ever, vulnerable Arizonans need non-profit organizations to help them survive,” said Bill Epps, Grand Canyon Chapter Chief Executive Officer. “The Red Cross is among a network providing a vital safety net for individuals and families by providing food, health care, emergency assistance and military support.”

The economy is forcing more Arizona military families to turn to the Grand Canyon Chapter for emergency assistance. The organization’s partnership with the military aid societies enables the chapter to help military families when they need it most.

The Red Cross is also able to help our neighbors in need through partnerships in disaster response. “When disaster strikes it’s imperative to have processes and procedures in place in order to reach individuals in need as soon as possible,” said Governor Jan Brewer. “That’s why the partnership between the State of Arizona and Red Cross is a vital component in disaster response preparedness.”

The Grand Canyon Chapter also partners with schools and churches for shelters as well as the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention and the Salvation Army on large feeding operations. Those partnerships supported the recent winter storm relief operation in January.

Relationships with corporate partners also are strengthening the chapter’s ability to fulfill its mission. Through corporate partnerships, the chapter offers free online preparedness education materials for children and has trained thirty Arizona educators to become Red Cross CPR and First Aid instructors.

The morning begins with a coffee reception at 7:30 a.m. followed by the program beginning at 8:15 a.m. Media interested in covering the event should call 602-321-2173.

### About the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter The American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter is where volunteers from across central, western and northern Arizona come together to help people in need every day. The volunteer-led organization serves more than 5.2 million people in communities across Apache, Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma counties. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the financial generosity of Arizona neighbors to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.arizonaredcross.org or call 1-800-842-7349. . To give blood, visit www.givelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.