A long standing tradition with the American Red Cross, the Chocolate Roses fundraising campaign has, over the years, generated hundreds of thousands of dollars to provide safe vaccinations against measles in countries still hard hit by this vaccine-preventable illness. Measles is one of the leading causes of death among young children, especially in developing countries. In 2008, measles claimed an estimated 164,000 lives. That's almost 450 people each day.

Thanks in part to the Measles Initiative, measles deaths fell by 78% globally from an estimated 733,000 in 2000 to 164,000 in 2008. All regions but one have achieved ― two years ahead of time ― the United Nations goal of reducing measles mortality by 90% between 2000 and 2010. But despite the significant drop in measles deaths, there is more work to be done. Your contribution is vitally important to help us finish achieving our goal!

Chocolate Roses make a lovely (and tasty) Valentines Day or Mother's Day gift.  For $2 each, you can purchase them individually or procure more to sell at your place of business, church, school, or even as a gift for that special someone. We are happy to deliver roses in any quantity which your organization anticipates to sell. We ask only that any unsold pieces be returned to us.

It costs less than one dollar to vaccinate a child against measles! One hundred percent of every dollar we raise in this campaign goes directly to the purchase, shipping, and safe administering of measles vaccines to children around the world who can not access, or otherwise afford them.

To purchase a chocolate rose individually or in bulk, contact Michael Braeuninger at the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2737, at mbraeuninger@redcrossstl.org, or just stop by the chapter office at 10195 Corporate Square Drive, St. Louis, MO 63132.

Learn more about the Measles Initiative and Red Cross' involvement in helping to eradicate measles worldwide.