Attorney issues challenge to women

Local attorney Sarah Shiflett has thrown down the gauntlet in a “Ladies Only” matching challenge for the American Red Cross.

The Shiflett Law Firm has asked small business leaders, women’s clubs and Sunday School classes to raise $250 for the American Red Cross service center in Cherokee County. The overall goal in the group fundraising effort is to raise $3,000 for the Red Cross service center by Nov. 13.

Shiflett said she sees the fundraiser as a way to help the American Red Cross become more selfsufficient.

“The mission of the Red Cross here and everywhere is to prepare for, prevent and respond to emergencies,” Shiflett said. “I personally know several people who have lost everything in house fires. They would not have survived but for the Red Cross. We’ve all heard of the Red Cross, it’s nationwide. We need to support it right here.”

Volunteers with the Red Cross provide assistance to county residents following fires and other emergency situations.

Shiflett was inspired to issue the fundraising challenge following a conversation with her good friend, American Red Cross service director Shellie Wylie. The attorney plans to hold a celebration meeting at a later date for groups involved in helping meet the Red Cross fundraising goal.

“I have given the first gift in what I hope will be a successful campaign to raise $3,000 by Nov. 13. Together with 12 people, I feel I can make this goal,” Shiflett said. “ I especially would like to challenge the ladies. However, men are welcome. It is fine if a couple of people or a group want to band together and pitch in to make one gift of $250 together.”