The American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter has teamed with Gary Pools and the Scalzi family to support “Lexi’s Legacy.” The fund-raising event and Chinese auction, scheduled for Sunday, Apr.15 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Samuel’s Grande Manor, 8750 Main Street in Clarence, will be held to raise pool safety awareness. Admission is $20 per person and includes food and non-alcoholic beverages. There will be a cash bar.

In June 2006, 2-year-old Alexis Scalzi drowned in her family’s swimming pool. The Scalzi family, along with the families of other local drowning victims, are holding this event to raise awareness and advocate for preparedness on pool safety.

“We are holding this event to raise awareness about pool safety and offer people the knowledge to protect their families from suffering a similar tragedy,” Mike Scalzi, father of Alexis, said.

Everyone attending “Lexi’s Legacy” will have the opportunity to interact with representatives of the American Red Cross and view safety demonstrations.

Scalzi said, “The Red Cross will be offering a discounted price of $50 on its Child and Infant CPR course. After completing the course, the first 1,000 participants will be given a free above-ground pool alarm courtesy of Gary Pools.”

Proceeds from donations made to Lexi’s Legacy will be used to purchase in-ground pool alarms, which also will be given to Child and Infant CPR course participants.

Admission tickets can be purchased, and donations can be made, by calling

(716) 633-0076 or (716) 907-4770. All donations are tax deductible, and a receipt will be provided (tax exempt status pending).

Child and Infant CPR classes are designed for childcare providers, teachers, parents and others who care for children. This course teaches participants how to recognize and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants and children up to 8 years of age.

Standard first aid is included, which will help participants to recognize and care for a variety of injuries, including first aid for cuts, scrapes, burns, bleeding and sprains.

“The American Red Cross is happy to be working with the Scalzi family for this event. It is for an important cause, and there is certainly a need for this topic to be addressed,” stated Jerilyn Hickey, director of business development at the Greater Buffalo Chapter.

For more information on “Lexi’s Legacy,” contact Mike and Michelle Scalzi at (716) 633-0076 or e-mail Teresa Combs at TeresaMCombs@yahoo.com.

For more information on customized training, contact the American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter at (716) 878-2387 or visit the chapter’s website at http://buffaloredcross.org.

The American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter prepares for, and responds to, community disasters and emergencies and helps people lead safe and healthy lives. The American Red Cross is one of the oldest and largest volunteer driven organizations in the United States and locally depends on the contributions of 800 volunteers to provide its emergency service and health education program.