The American Red Cross of the National Capital Area hosted a visit with American Red Cross’ Celebrity Cabinet member, Leeza Gibbons, to the Chapter Headquarters’ Regional Disaster Coordination Center (RDCC) on Monday, January 19, 2009. Ms. Gibbons observed first-hand how a dedicated team of trained Red Cross volunteers manages the RDCC during a large-scale event while handling local disasters occurring throughout the day.

Joe Sciuto, the Chapter’s Senior Director of Emergency and International Services and the Job Director leading the efforts for the Red Cross’ Inaugural Services, hosted the RDCC tour and spent time answering Ms.Gibbons' questions about the critical need for the RDCC’s services for day-to-day emergency preparedness and response to disasters - whether natural or man-made.

The Chapter’s Chief Executive Officer, Linda Mathes, Chairman of the Board, Wendell Johns and many volunteers were also in attendance. Ms. Gibbons took a few minutes to sincerely thank Red Cross volunteers for their hard work and dedication, and reminded everyone to continue wearing the Red Cross logo proudly. She shared stories of her involvement with the organization over the years and also pledging to remain just as committed.

Ms. Gibbons has been serving as part of the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet since 2004. She has given a great deal of support through the years by donating to the 2008 Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund; raising awareness for Red Cross’ efforts through interviews on her show, Leeza at Night, about Red Cross Earthquake Preparedness and Red Cross’ response to the 2004 tsunami; raising funds for the Red Cross Tsunami Relief; taping a radio Public Service Announcement for Red Cross’ Family Caregiving program (connected with Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia); supporting Red Cross’ 50th Anniversary of Blood Services; hosting community campaigns for March is Red Cross Month; appearing in a televised Red Cross PSA for blood donor recruitment; spokesperson for Red Cross’ Merbabes Infant CPR campaign; and serving as National Chairman Infant and Child Water Safety.

Ms. Gibbons is known for her work as television host and reporter on Entertainment Tonight; host of her daytime talk show Leeza; radio producer and host of Hollywood Confidential; managing editor and host of Extra newsmagazine; entrepreneur of Leeza Gibbons Enterprises; developing Sheer Cover mineral-based makeup; web business Sheer Inspiration Life Coaching; and co-founding The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation serving as a non-profit organization assisting those affected by Alzheimer’s disease – these are just some of her many accomplishments.