Our work is as diverse as the communities we serve. Each day provides us with a unique opportunity to not only reflect on our accomplishments, but to plan and hope for the future. We do this through the values and strength of our volunteers and staff--people just like you taking the time to make a difference.

Throughout our history, the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter has contributed significantly by providing heroic services to our region, our nation and our world. From aiding our nation and those abroad during World Wars I and II - to responding to our region's largest disasters - the Loma Prieta earthquake and the Oakland Hills fires - to helping thousands of families devastated by other disasters large or small - to even employing the Silicon Valley's remarkable technological advancements in our own work, enabling us to more rapidly respond and better serve our world.

In just this past year alone, our fellow Bay Area citizens-- more than 5,000 throughout our six counties-- helped us to save lives by delivering programs and services. Our Health and Safety instructors taught more than 95,000 students the kinds of skills that enable neighbors to care for neighbors during times of greatest need. Our shelters brought comfort to those struggling just to make it through another day. And our Disaster Action Teams were on the scene assisting thousands of families devastated by fires, mudslides, and other disasters - all of which were large and devastating in the eyes of those impacted.

To each of you, whose contribution of time, money, vision, or energy has made our work possible, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude. We would not have been able to serve without you.

Looking toward the future, we know that our work is far from over. We have already come to realize that the memories of the year 2001 will stay with all of us for the rest of our lives. But as the pain and anguish over the September 11th terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and in a quiet field in rural Pennsylvania ease with the passing of time, we at the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter also firmly believe that more lasting images will survive - those of the millions of Americans across this country who came together in a time of national crisis to give of themselves in ways both heroic and simple - in ways too numerous to count.

Through our Strategic Preparedness Initiative, we will continue to provide training to ensure that 1 in 4 of our Bay Area neighbors will be ready should another major disaster occur. Increased use of technology will streamline registration for our many classes and enable online access to disaster preparedness supplies.

We hope that the stories of courage contained in this annual report will inspire you to continue to join our work. Together, we can make a brighter future for all of us here in the Bay Area and across the globe.

Jim Gilleran
Chairman, Board of Directors