Red Cross Honors Investors Savings Bank CEO and President Kevin Cummings and President of Emilcott Associates, Inc. Bruce Groves

The Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross will honor Investors Savings Bank CEO and President Kevin Cummings and former long-time Board Member and Emilcott Associates President Bruce Groves at its Oktoberfest event on Saturday, October 2nd from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.  The event is being held at the Summit chapter house, 695 Springfield Avenue, Summit. 

"Our chapter depends on leaders like Kevin and Bruce who understand the Red Cross mission and take the time to support our programs and services," says Christy Hodde, chapter executive director.   "Under Kevin's leadership, Investors Savings Bank has been a strong supporter of the Colonial Crossroads Chapter offering vital funding for mission programs such as our Disaster Action Team which just assisted families left homeless following a fire in Springfield on September 10th.  We are also grateful to have a member of ISB's senior management team sitting on our Board of Directors."

Kevin, along with Patricia, his wife of 28 years, raised four children: Katie, Kevin, Mary and William in Summit.  His commitment to the New Jersey community is well known.  Cummings has served as a Commissioner on the Summit Board of Recreation; is a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Peter's Prep; Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Summit Speech School; a Trustee of The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children; a member of the Board and Executive Committee of the New Jersey Bankers Association and is also a board member of the Independent College Fund of New Jersey.

Kevin, who was born and raised in Jersey City, is a lifelong Garden State resident. He often draws parallels between being an athlete and coaching sports teams with leading the team at Investors. "Our core values of cooperation, commitment, character and community are the cornerstones of our mission and vision," says Cummings. "Investors' culture of teamwork and willingness to outwork our competition is what has enabled us to thrive and grow in these challenging economic times."

Bruce Groves began his Red Cross service with the Southeast Morris Chapter at One Madison Avenue in 2002.  A Madison resident for 26 years, Bruce and his wife Fran raised three children in town.  "Bruce has served in so many different capacities for our chapter," says Hodde.  His leadership positions include: board vice chair; chair of strategic planning; member of governance; nominating committee; and as an executive board member.  Bruce was also instrumental in helping to manage the merger between the Southeast Morris and Summit Area Chapters in 2007 and remained on the board of the new Colonial Crossroads Chapter.  He stepped off the chapter board in May 2010 after eight years of service. 

"Our chapter's annual fall event allows us to recognize and thank community partners, like Kevin and Bruce, and also provides us with an opportunity to educate our guests about the day-to-day work of the Red Cross," adds Hodde.

Proceeds from this event will help support all services as the Chapter enters a new fiscal year.  On September 3rd, the Chapter's Disaster Action Team responded to a multi-unit fire in Springfield where they provided assistance to 10 families.  Temporary housing was secured for seven of these families along with financial assistance for food, clothing and other emergency-caused needs.  "It is imperative that our team be prepared and equipped in advance of these situations," adds Hodde.  "That's why community support at our events is so critical."

Beer, wine and cuisine with a German flair will be on offer and to keep the evening lively, local rock band Lenox Underground will perform.  In addition, Dale Stroever, entertainer, music therapist, and educator is bringing his German Folk musicians and dancers to perform at the event.  Stroever has been heard on recordings, in films and on stages throughout the Northeast. 

Oktoberfest general admission tickets start at $75.  Sponsor tickets at $125 and Patron tickets at $150 provide admission and inclusion in the event program. To purchase tickets or for sponsorship information, please call Elissa Cordrey, director of development and marketing, at 908-273-2076, ext. 18 or visit  www.ccnjredcross.org.

 About the American Red Cross in your area:

Local Red Cross programs and services include disaster preparedness education and response services; life-saving skills training such as CPR, AED, First Aid, and water safety; armed forces emergency services, transportation and blood services.

The Colonial Crossroads Chapter has served the residents of Berkeley Heights, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, East Hanover, Florham Park, Long Hill Township, Madison, New Providence, Springfield and Summit since 1917.  To find out more about the local Red Cross, how you can donate your expertise, time, money or blood; or to help your family, business, or community prepare for emergencies, please visit www.ccnjredcross.org.