Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others.

Barbara Bush

You and everyone you know have been invited to a very special birthday celebration.

Now, this is not any run of the mill birthday party; this is a life saving 95th birthday party.

Cecelia &8220;Cel&8221; Etheredge (known as Miss Cel to most people in Shelby County) will celebrate her 95th birthday later this month with a very special Red Cross blood drive.

And what does she ask for her birthday?

Just roll up your sleeve and give a pint of blood. That&8217;s all but of course, if you or someone you love needs a pint of blood, that&8217;s everything.

Miss Cel wants to gather 95 pints of blood as part of her birthday and I for one plan to help her reach that goal.

Knowing Cel Etherege is a great treasure; she is one of those very special people that make those around her feel special and warm. Blessed by good health, Cel has spent her life helping others, which is clear through her one birthday wish.

Many of you may not know Cel, even though some of you have been saved through her work at the Alabaster Red Cross. Cel, along with countless other Red Cross volunteers, work to make certain that when we need blood it is available.

Those lucky enough to be greeted by Cecilia after making a donation no doubt have receive the warmest of &8220;thank you&8221; and the sincerest of smiles.

You see, Cecilia reminds us all how good it feels to give to others.

Don&8217;t miss this opportunity to give the gift of life and to wish a very special lady a very special birthday

Details:

Cecelia &8220;Cel&8221; Etheredge

95 pint birthday blood drive

Friday, Jan. 25, 2008

1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Presentations at 3 p.m.

Location:

Pelham Civic Complex

(Gold & Silver Room)

500 Amphitheater Road

Pelham, AL 35124

Please R.S.V.P to Kathleen 918-1043 or http://www.givelife.org sponsor code: mscel.