American Red Cross Joins Nation in Remembering Comedian Bob Hope

American Red Cross
Monday, 28 July 2003

Legendary entertainer lent talent and time in support of organization's lifesaving efforts

The American Red Cross is among the legions today mourning the death of comedian Bob Hope. During his career, Hope would on a number of occasions lend his talent and time in support of Red Cross lifesaving efforts, activities that have become a part of American Red Cross history.

In addition to lending his image to public service announcements, Bob Hope starred in the annual American Red Cross radio campaign started on Armistice Day-November 11, 1939. At the time, the American Red Cross was already engaged in relief efforts on behalf of Europe's war victims. Hope was joined on the radio broadcast by President Franklin Roosevelt and the comedian Edgar Bergen. Photos from that broadcast and other Hope campaigns, including a shot with the legendary Claudette Colbert, are part of the American Red Cross archives and can be viewed at www.redcross.org.

As part of its congressional charter, the American Red Cross is mandated to keep deployed U.S. service members connected to their loved ones back home. Bob Hope, well known for going to the frontlines to support troops, once said after World War II, "This war was won by teamwork, and one of the star members of the team was the Red Cross."

In 1972, Hurricane Agnes hit the Eastern United States, causing floods termed by the National Weather Service at the time as "the worst disaster in American history." Agnes caused 122 deaths, 12,000 injured or ill, and $1.7 billion in damages. Bob traveled to visit victims in the affected areas, and, on July 22 of that year hosted a "Celebrity Flood Relief Special" in support of Red Cross response efforts in the aftermath of Agnes. The program aired for more than six hours over an ad hoc television network and was tremendously successful.

"Bob Hope is a part of history — of American Red Cross history," said American Red Cross President and CEO Marsha Evans. "The American Red Cross joins Americans young and old in mourning the loss of not only a great entertainer but a great American. We remember his humor, honor his memory and will never forget the many occasions when Bob Hope helped the Red Cross save lives."

For more information, or to contact American Red Cross, see their website at: www.redcross.org