Welcome back to Tuesday Trivia with Lindsey, just one of many exciting features during our month of blogging. Thanks so much for playing along last week as we unearthed the proper First Aid methods for those plagued by Clooney Syndrome. Now that we all know how to handle that situation, let’s tackle another tricky trivia question. It’s time for Red Cross Tuesday Trivia!!!

 

Jewel and Nancy O'Dell watch from the sidelines as injuries prohibit them from competing in Season 8 of Dancing with the Stars. Photo courtesy of the New York Post.

Last night marked the eighth season premiere of ABC’s hit reality show, Dancing with the Stars. While the show usually has its fair share of hits and misses, some of this year’s contestants are missing it completely. Season 8 Contestants, Jewel (singer/songwriter) and Nancy O’Dell (Access Hollywood), have already managed to waltz their way out of the competition even before stepping foot on the dance floor. During preparation for the show, Jewel was diagnosed with a fractured tibia (in both legs) and O’Dell suffered a torn meniscus. Since both were forced to withdraw, reality show veterans Holly Madison (The Girls Next Door) and Melissa Rycroft (The Bachelor) stepped in for Jewel and O’Dell, respectively.

 

What does Access Hollywood host and injured Dancing with the Stars contestant Nancy O’Dell have to do with the American Red Cross?

 

 

ANSWER:

While the injuries sustained by Nancy O’Dell quickly make us think ‘First Aid’, (which I am sure Dancing with the Stars was more than prepared with a First Aid Kit and medical personnel on the premises) her injury is not the most direct link to the Red Cross. In fact O’Dell’s connection to the Red Cross stems all the way back to 2001. 

Each year, a handful of celebrities, like O’Dell make up the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet, a portion of the Red Cross Entertainment Outreach Program. The “on-call” celebrity cabinet members donate their time, skills, and passion allowing the Red Cross to further our message and highlight important initiatives when help is needed most.

O’Dell has served on the Red Cross cabinet since its conception and has this to say about her involvement:

"When I was asked in 2001 to join the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet, I was deeply honored. Especially in light of the tragedies of September 11, I was moved to get involved with a national organization that for so long has done so much good. I began my career as a broadcast television anchor/reporter in Charleston, S.C. It was there that I saw firsthand the commitment of the Red Cross to family and community during the recovery from Hurricane Hugo. Later, as an anchor for NBC in Miami, I played witness to the revitalization of Florida following Hurricane Andrew. In covering both disasters, I was amazed at the efforts of the Red Cross and all of its volunteers. The organization works tirelessly to help those affected by tragedy…not only in the first few days following an event, but also for years after. It is with pride that I continue my volunteer service on their National Celebrity Cabinet. To be able to contribute to the many efforts of the American Red Cross and to encourage others to volunteer is my duty."

So there you have it! Stay tuned for next Tuesday when we will have another exciting edition of Tuesday Trivia with Lindsey! If you have any Red Cross trivial tidbits of your own, let us know! Until next time…