BASH*2013 Raises Over $352,000 to Support Red Cross Disaster Services

Local volunteers assisting 23 area residents following weekend fires

BUFFALO, NY, June 11, 2013 – BASH*2013 was a huge success, raising $352,00 to support American Red Cross Disaster Services in Erie & Niagara Counties. Over 4,000 “soldiers” marched on the grounds of Red Cross headquarters last Friday, June 7 for the 15^th Anniversary of this unique military-themed event, bidding on auction items donated by various members of the community, enjoyed food and drink from some of Western New York’s finest restaurants, all while dancing to the music of the DJs from Signature Entertainment and a live performance from the one and only Lance Diamond.

“I can’t thank our staff, volunteers, sponsors and supporters enough for making The BASH Buffalo’s party of the summer for the past 15 years,” said Nancy Blaschak, Regional Executive Director. “I especially want to thank our BASH Chairman, Mr. John Yurtchuk, for helping us bring in a record amount of corporate sponsorships this year, and the most important thing is that all the money raised at The BASH will help us prevent, prepare for and respond to disaster right here in Western New York.”

Since BASH*2013 wrapped up at midnight Friday, Red Cross volunteers have responded to three fires in the City of Buffalo, providing immediate emergency assistance including vouchers for temporary housing, food and clothing as well as emotional support to 23 of our neighbors in need. Our Disaster Action Team responds to an average of a fire a day in Erie & Niagara Counties, providing an average of just over $1,000 in direct financial assistance when responding to a single family house fire affecting a family of four. 

More information on BASH*2013, including a full list of sponsors, participating restaurants and other supporters, is available at www.redcross.org/buffalobash. And save the date: the 16^th annual BASH is scheduled for Friday, June 6, 2014!

Nancy Blaschak Named Regional CEO for Western New York and Finger Lakes Regions

Brings 34 years of Red Cross experience to position

WNY and Finger Lakes Regional CEO
Nancy Blaschak

ROCHESTER, NY, April 1, 2013 – Gail DeNicola, American Red Cross Division Vice President, Northeast, is pleased to announce the appointment of Nancy Blaschak as Regional Chief Executive Officer. Blaschak will lead the newly-merged organization, which includes the current Western New York and Finger Lakes Regions, to improve service delivery throughout the community.

“I cannot think of anyone more qualified to lead the Red Cross in Western New York and the Finger Lakes Region than Nancy Blaschak,” DeNicola said. “Her expertise and years of experience will help make the Red Cross an even stronger presence in both communities going forward.”

Blaschak has been with the Red Cross since 1979. As Regional Executive for Western New York for the past 21 years, Blaschak has led the Red Cross response to several incidents, including the October Surprise storm of 2006 and the crash of Flight 3407 in Clarence, NY, and she recently returned from New York City where she directed the Hurricane Sandy Long Term Recovery Project.

“I am honored to have been given this opportunity, and look forward to working with our amazing staff, volunteers and supporters to lead the Red Cross into an exciting new era,” Blaschak said. “By combining our resources, we will be able to improve upon the disaster preparedness and response, assistance to military members and their families, health and safety training, blood services and other community services that residents in both the Finger Lakes and Western New York regions have come to expect from their local Red Cross.”

Blaschak holds a BS in Business Administration from the University at Buffalo, an MBA from Canisius College, and completed post-graduate studies at the Hauser Institute for Not for Profit Organizations at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Nancy and her husband John live in Eden, NY along with their two children.

Executive Director Nancy Blaschak to Manage Sandy Recovery Project

46 WNY volunteers and staff members have deployed to assist relief efforts

Nancy Blaschak, Executive Director
of the American Red Cross, Serving
Erie & Niagara Counties

BUFFALO, NY, January 15, 2013 – Nancy Blaschak, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Serving Erie & Niagara Counties, has been asked to manage the Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts of the Red Cross in New York City and Long Island. Blaschak will be leaving on Wednesday, and is planning on spending the next several weeks working out of the operational headquarters in Manhattan.

“The focus is now turning toward long term recovery, getting people impacted by Sandy into permanent housing and making necessary home repairs,” Blaschak said. “We have a great team here, so I have no worries leaving for a while to help out downstate. The Western New York Region couldn’t be in better hands.”

Blaschak is the 46th person from the eight-county Western New York region who has deployed to assist in the Red Cross relief efforts since Sandy devastated the East Coast in late October. Nine volunteers have returned for multiple assignments since the operation began.

Even as the Red Cross continues to provide food, comfort and assistance to thousands of people impacted by Sandy, the organization is working with government partners and other nonprofits as part of a comprehensive response to help Sandy survivors recover. This assistance could include assistance with home repairs, rent or utility deposits; helping fill out paperwork for insurance claims; and connecting people with social service and other programs for Sandy recovery.  For more information regarding the Red Cross response to Sandy, please visit www.redcross.org.