Ann Spencer-Arscott, talented director of the Bermuda Red Cross, is confidently steering one of the Island's most respected agencies.

One of her major roles is marketing and fund raising, along with public relations. She makes sure that each service area within the organisation is kept in the loop.

"I work together with our team but also independently doing various public relations projects,'' she explained.

She has a strong educational background and attended Bermuda High School for Girls and graduated from Saltus Grammar School in 1977 where she received the Outstanding Student Award.

Her education was furthered with an Associates Degree in Secretarial Science and a Bachelor of Science in Office Administration from Bryant College of Rhode Island in 1979 and 1981. Additionally, she holds a Master of Arts Degree in Human Resource Development and Management from Webster University.

Mrs. Spencer-Arscott became involved with the Bermuda Red Cross in 1992.

Prior to that she was the personnel administrator at BELCO from 1990 to 1992.

"After the birth of my first child in 1991, I decided that I wanted to work part time. This is a win, win situation for me because I can spend time with my children, do my best for the Red Cross and I also have time for other volunteer work.'' To keep up with her busy schedule she manages her life very well.

She gives willingly of herself to other civic duties.

She volunteers with numerous other charities too.

Continued on page 29 Helmswoman of the Red Cross Continued from page 25 Helping people is the aspect of her work which she enjoys the most at the Bermuda Red Cross.

She said: "It gives me pleasure to know how much the Red Cross helps people.

"We extend a lot of assistance to our community from driving the elderly to medical appointments, to providing rental equipment.

"When we launch financial appeals for international disasters, it is wonderful when we can raise needed funds for which we are so thankful.'' One of their largest disaster relief fund raisers was in 1999 for the Kosovo Refugees in the sum of $171,431.37.

In the same year they sent about $23,000 for the Turkish earthquake and $19,000 to aid the Venezuelan flooding.

Last year the Bermuda Red Cross contributed $37,000 to Mozambique flooding and $20,500 toward the Ethiopian drought.

Bermuda has many non-profit charities, all worthwhile, so it can be challenging to obtain volunteers and donor dollars.

Mrs. Spencer-Arscott reimplemented, with the help of the original committee of 25 years ago including Lady Gibbons, Lady Swan and several others, a dinner and dance idea in 1994.

They feature themes from countries around the world, which have been highly successful as fund raisers as well as `friend raisers'.

These have netted proceeds of $254,355 and have assisted in increasing the Red Cross profile and volunteer base.

"One July we had a safari theme held on Government House Grounds which 560 people attended and we raised about $60,000,'' she advised with a smile.

When Mrs. Spencer-Arscott was asked about the best advice she has received in life she responded: "Never to lie and never be afraid to speak your mind.

"My father gave me the advice when I was about nine and 14 respectively.

"I am known as a forthright person.'' Her husband is Robin and they have two sons, Andrew about 10, Ryan five, and a stepson Steven, 29.

In her spare time she enjoys golf and always gives it her best, as she does everything else, at Riddell's Bay and the Southampton Princess.

Red Cross Director, Ann Spencer-Arscott, is a productive leader.