Prestigious Red Cross Award to be Renamed in Honor of Local Volunteer/Philanthropist
  

The first Ellen G. Shelton Philanthropist of the Year award will be given at the Oregon Trail Chapter Annual Meeting on June 13th. The Annual Meeting will be held at 5:30 PM at the Oregon Trail Chapter building located at 3131 North Vancouver Avenue .

Ellen G. Shelton was an outstanding role model to others in the community. Beginning her volunteer service in 1954 after seeing a Red Cross ad in Sunday Parade Magazine, she became one of the “Monday Girls,” a group of women who volunteered every Monday by driving homebound clients to doctor's offices and other essential appointments. She continued driving for the Red Cross into the 1980's.

Along with her involvement as a volunteer, she was also a valued financial contributor to the Oregon Trail Chapter. Over her lifetime, she donated more than $1,000,000 as evidence of her passion for and commitment to the Red Cross mission.

“I witnessed her dedication, passion and generosity and it inspired me to get involved in my community,” said Ellen's son, David Griffith, who has also included the Oregon Trail Chapter in his estate. “The Red Cross is important because of their ability to respond around the world to nearly every major disaster that occurs as well as responding in the middle of the night to a local house fire.”

About American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Local Red Cross volunteers respond to residential fires and other disasters an average of every 32 hours. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from Oregonians. Financial gifts help provide shelter, food, clothing counseling and other immediate assistance to those in need. Call (503) 284-1234 or visit www.redcross-pdx.org.