FAIR HAVEN, JANUARY 29, 2013 — Mayor Ben Lucarelli, resident Heather Heard, John Gagliano, Sr. VP President and General Council for EPS Corporation and a member of the American Red Cross Board of Directors and Debi Heptig, Major Gifts Officer of the Jersey Coast Chapter were all on hand at the Fair Haven City Council Meeting Monday night on behalf of Alabama Power and their response efforts and donation here in Fair Haven. 

Alabama Power came to New Jersey last November to assist with power restoration and Fair Haven was the community they worked in to restore power even in the harsh winter weather.

To show appreciation for their journey from Alabama and the many long hours they endured, Heather Heard decided to help the linesmen by firing up a grill and feeding them.  Soon other residents followed Heather’s lead and many kitchens were busy preparing and delivering food to the Linesmen. The Linesmen completed their work and went home to Alabama.  Not too long ago they returned as guests at an appreciation reception that the town put together for them.  At the appreciation reception, Alabama Power had a surprise that made nearly everyone in attendance tear up and applaud.  Alabama power presented a check to Fair Haven Officials to present to American Red Cross for $10,000. for Sandy Relief. 

On Monday January 28th the check from Alabama Power was presented to the American Red Cross Jersey Coast Chapter for $10,000. Presenting the check was Mayor Ben Lucarelli and Heather Heard. Accepting the check was John Gagliano, Red Cross Board Member, VP and General Council of EPS Corporation and Fair Haven Resident. Also attending to accept the check was Major Gift Officer Debi Heptig for the Jersey Coast Chapter. “This check will go a long way right here in New Jersey to assist with Sandy long term recovery efforts.” Said Debi Heptig.  “We appreciate Alabama Power’s generosity and trust in our organization. We salute the citizens of Fair Haven for their compassionate care of the Linesmen as they restored power.”   

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.