Clara Barton Society members Peggy McGrath and Pat Terrio have had a personal relationship with the St. Louis Area Chapter for quite some time.  Aside from being regular blood donors and health and safety training participants, Peggy and Pat’s fathers played a major role in the couple’s fondness for the Red Cross. 

“My dad was a fireman and he participated in the Red Cross blood programthroughout my childhood,” explained Pat. 

“My dad was a client at the Red Cross Adult Day Care center in Crestwood,” said Peggy. “The way the staff cared for the elderly clients, especially those with dementia like my father, was wonderful.”founding member of the Chapter’s Corporate Partners program. “Giving once is only a start,” said Peggy. “For programs to continue, the Chapter needs continuous financial support. Not just in times of crisis but also to support everyday local programs.”

Today, as a successful entrepreneur and owner of Tramar Contracting, Inc., Peggy believes in supporting causes that have touched her and her husband’s lives. “We have beenblessed in so many ways and we feel it’s important to give back to others,” Peggy said. “The Red Cross is an organization with many good programs, whether local, national or worldwide.”

Pat agreed. “I think that the Red Cross, other than church, was the first organization we decided to donate to,” he said.

As members of the Clara Barton Society, Peggy and Pat make a personal, annual, unrestricted gift to the Chapter. In addtion, Peggy makes an annual contribution from her company, Tramar, which is now a founding member of the Chapter’s Corporate Partners program. “Giving once is only a start,” said Peggy. “For programs to continue, the Chapter needs continuous financial support. Not just in times of crisis but also to support everyday local programs.”

Click here for more information on how to become a member of the Clara Barton Society.

To read more stories of Red Cross volunteers and donors, click here.