Ann Spencer-Arscott, talented director of the Bermuda Red Cross, is confidently steering one of the Island's most respected agencies.

One of her major roles is marketing and fund raising, along with public relations. She makes sure that each service area within the organisation is kept in the loop.

"I work together with our team but also independently doing various public relations projects,'' she explained.

She has a strong educational background and attended Bermuda High School for Girls and graduated from Saltus Grammar School in 1977 where she received the Outstanding Student Award.

Her education was furthered with an Associates Degree in Secretarial Science and a Bachelor of Science in Office Administration from Bryant College of Rhode Island in 1979 and 1981. Additionally, she holds a Master of Arts Degree in Human Resource Development and Management from Webster University.

Mrs. Spencer-Arscott became involved with the Bermuda Red Cross in 1992.

Prior to that she was the personnel administrator at BELCO from 1990 to 1992.

"After the birth of my first child in 1991, I decided that I wanted to work part time. This is a win, win situation for me because I can spend time with my children, do my best for the Red Cross and I also have time for other volunteer work.'' To keep up with her busy schedule she manages her life very well. She gives willingly of herself to other civic duties: Trustee for Masterworks Foundation Member of Altrusa Interna tional Inc. of Bermuda Volunteer for the Bermuda Festival Helper at her sons' schools Volunteers with numerous other charities as needed for fund raising and development.

Helping people is the aspect of her work which she enjoys the most at the Bermuda Red Cross.

She said: "It gives me pleasure to know how much the Red Cross helps people.

We extend a lot of assistance to our community from driving the elderly to medical appointments, to providing rental equipment.

"When we launch financial appeals for international disasters, it is wonderful when we can raise needed funds for which we are so thankful.'' One of their largest disaster relief fund raisers was in 1999 for the Kosovo Refugees in the sum of $171,431.37.

In the same year they sent about $23,000 for the Turkish earthquake and $19,000 to aid the Venezuelan flooding.

This year the Bermuda Red Cross has contributed $37,000 to Mozambique flooding and $20,500 toward the Ethiopian drought.

Bermuda has many non-profit charities, all worthwhile, so it can be challenging to obtain volunteers and donor dollars.

Mrs. Spencer-Arscott re implemented, with the help of the original committee of 25 years ago including Lady Gibbons, Lady Swan and several others, a dinner and dance idea in 1994.

They feature themes from countries around the world, which have been highly successful as fund raisers as well as `friend raisers'.

These have netted proceeds of $254,355 and have assisted in increasing the Red Cross profile and volunteer base.

"This July 8 we had a safari theme held on Government House Grounds which 560 people attended and we raised about $60,000,'' she advised with a smile.

The agency has serious goals for the next two years. Last year they did a strategic plan which included implementing a board with Colin Young as the chairman.

"It will be very important for the board to move forward and implement these strategic initiatives,'' she said.

"Other goals include: recruiting a coordinator for the Junior Red Cross and revising this area, finding a chairperson for transport, and adding the life saving automated external defibrillator to CPR training.

"This device delivers electric shock to the heart muscle and restores it to normal rhythm.

"We will be clarifying our role in local disaster situations such as hurricanes, hotel fires and plane crashes,'' explained the director.

When Mrs. Spencer-Arscott was asked about the best advice she has received in life she responded: "Never to lie and never be afraid to speak your mind. My father gave me the advice when I was about nine and 14 respectively. I am known as a forthright person.'' She concluded by announcing that the Red Cross needs volunteers for CPR instruction, babysitting instruction, hospital desk person for equipment rentals, blood donor nurses, and drivers for transport.

Her husband is Robin and they have two sons, Andrew about nine, Ryan four, and a stepson Steven, 28.

In her spare time she enjoys golf and always gives it her best, as she does everything else, at Riddel's Bay and the Southampton Princess.

Mrs. Spencer-Arscott may be contacted by phone at 236-8253, fax 236-8267 or email: redcross y ibl.bm Director of the Bermuda Red Cross: Ann Spencer-Arscott.

Dressing for the Red Cross safari dinner and dance held July 8, Andreas Detzer and Ann Spencer-Arscott. About 560 people attended this worthwhile event and $60,000 was raised.

HEALTH HTH MINI SUPPLEMENT SUP