From the devastating floods across the Midwest and Northwest to the wildfires in California, the floods in the Plains States and almost everywhere in-between, RNR volunteers responded to disasters. Together with clowns from across the globe, we joined efforts to help those in need by sending "Smiles to the Rescue."

Here are a few highlights of our accomplishments:

• The first “Training Day” in New York City brought in Responders from CT, NY, and NJ.  They received their Red Cross certification and are now certified to help in any national Red Cross shelter following a disaster.
• RNR learned the power of partnerships. During the wildfires in California and floods in the states of Washington and Oregon, RNR reached out to some exceptional clowns (non-RNR members) and they connected RNR with shelters that were open. Clowns traveled to visit and letters are still arriving recounting stories of their experiences. Many of those clowns have now become RNR members.
• RNR developed an improved “Alert” system. Immediately following a disaster (or before with enough notice), RNR reaches out to its State Coordinators via e-mail. If there is no immediate response, we will attempt contact by phone. If there is still no response, all Responders in that State and surrounding areas are contacted. We are also now reaching out to local alleys, town halls, religious groups and local organizations to inform them of our work. 
• Our fundraising turned personal. The San Diego All Star Clown Alley let RNR know about a husband and wife clown team who, while volunteering in a local shelter, lost their own home to a wildfire. One of our N.J. Responders spearheaded a fundraiser held at the M.A.C.A. Convention to help them. Many incredibly generous clowns donated magic, balloons and other items.
• The E-zine and Forum became essential pre and post-disaster methods of communication. With extremely valuable information, inspirational responder stories and more, the E-zine is a highly anticipated monthly email. The Forum on our website is also now an important tool for releasing up-to-the-minute information about our responses.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN 2008!

1. Contact your local charitable organizations and let them know about RNR. We need partners in disaster relief.
2. Hold a fundraiser with your alley or community to help RNR respond to disasters. For additional information, contact us at volunteer@rednoseresponse.org
3. Become more involved with RNR.  We need your help. Please contact volunteer@rednoseresponse.org if you are interested in any of the following positions:
   • Secretary
   • Committee Chair
   • Weather Alert Advisor
   • Public Relations
   • Organization/Corporate Liaison
   • State Coordinator
   • Co-State Coordinator

In and out of shelters, RNR Responders are special people who show others how to take their craft to the next level by spreading joy under very difficult conditions. Thank you all for your efforts. We certainly do not look forward to any disasters in 2008, but we do look forward to reaching out and sending more “Smiles to the Rescue” if one does occur.

THE RED NOSE RESPONSE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!