American Red Cross supporters George Leis, left, Janet Garufis and Steve Ortiz with the organization’s new disaster response vehicle. 
From left, volunteer Rodney Escobedo; Tony Briggs, regional chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Central California region; Santa Barbara Red Cross board chairman Robert Rauchhaus; and volunteer Alicia Escobedo. 
Anne Kratz, regional philanthropy officer of the American Red Cross in Santa Barbara, with vehicle campaign donors Susan and Steve Engles. 
Vehicle campaign co-chairs Lynda Nahra and Claude Dorais. 
Tony Briggs of the American Red Cross addresses the crowd. 
Santa Barbara Foundation board vice chairwoman Pamela Gann with David Hardee. 
American Red Cross board member Kristina Eriksen with staff member Allen Makere. 
Guests listen to a short program on the Santa Barbara Club lawn. 
The spacious interior of the new disaster vehicle. 
Supporters gather in front of the new American Red Cross disaster vehicle.
Nearly two years after the historic Thomas Fire and deadly Montecito flash flooding and debris flows, a volunteer team led by campaign co-chairs Lynda Nahra and Claude Dorais brought together the Santa Barbara community to fully fund a new, state-of-the-art emergency response vehicle for the American Red Cross of the Pacific Coast.
“When we discovered that the emergency response vehicle that had been supporting Santa Barbara for over 23 years had to be retired after the Thomas Fire and resulting debris flows, we knew we had to take action to replace this vital asset for disaster assistance and recovery for the community we call home,” Nahra said.
Designed to last for 15 years, the old emergency response vehicle is being replaced by a $150,000 new six-cylinder Mercedes that is designed for multiple uses, including distributing food, meals and supplies, plus respite for first responders and volunteers.
“This is the first time we have a vehicle that is capable of moving into a disaster, not just near the disaster,” Dorais told Noozhawk. “This is a big improvement in efficiency and effectiveness.”
To celebrate the new Santa Barbara disaster vehicle, donors and supporters gathered Wednesday for a late afternoon reception at the Santa Barbara Club downtown.
Campaign supporters included Montecito Bank & Trust, United Way of Santa Barbara County, the Santa Barbara Foundation, Pacific Western Bank, Lynda Nahra and Claude Dorais, Ariel and John Bowers, Union Bank, The Outhwaite Foundation, FHL Bank of San Francisco, Ellen and John Coudray, Christine Garvey, Susan and Steven Engles, the Rotary Club of Montecito and Maureen Grattan.
Montecito Bank & Trust and United Way of Santa Barbara County made the lead gifts of $50,000 each.
“When we learned that Santa Barbara needed a new emergency response vehicle, Montecito Bank & Trust was proud to lead the way in support,” said Janet Garufis, chairwoman and CEO of Montecito Bank & Trust.
“Our community benefits tremendously from the dedication and good work of the American Red Cross. The impact of a new emergency vehicle like this is not only necessary, it’s priceless!”
Tony Briggs, regional chief executive officer for the American Red Cross Central California region, also addressed the assembled guests.
“When a community comes together to help those impacted by disaster both big and small, it is not only empowering but very uplifting to see compassion in action,” he said.
“It is through the emergency response vehicles that families affected by disaster can meet the Red Cross and its volunteers in the community, whether it be a warm blanket, a hot meal or disaster relief supplies. It is the generosity of donors that allows the Red Cross to live its mission of alleviating human suffering.”
Briggs also recognized Anne Kratz, the regional philanthropy officer at the American Red Cross in Santa Barbara, for her great work in organizing the celebration and working hand in hand with Nahra and Dorais on the fundraising effort.
“I love my job,” Kratz said. “I work with a group of people who just give you money because they want to help. I love this community.”
The nonprofit American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.
Click here for more information about the American Red Cross, or email anne.kratz@redcross.org. Click here to make an online donation.
— Noozhawk contributing writer Rochelle Rose can be reached at rrose@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkSociety, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Become a fan of Noozhawk on Facebook.