Asogomi Publishing International

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 2, 2005

Contact:

Ms. Katie O'Sheehan

Phone: (440) 944-4746

Author Volunteers in South, Donates Proceeds to help Hurricane Homeless

(Cleveland, Ohio) A family riding out a hurricane in a 20-foot sailboat. A 65-year old grandmother who lost everything. Children playing with sticks and stones in front of their destroyed homes. These are just a few of the images that stay with Cleveland area resident Tim Warneka from his recent volunteer stint in Mississippi with the American Red Cross (ARC). Warneka, an executive coach, consultant and counselor is donating 10% of the profits from his new book, Leading People the Black Belt Way: Conquering the Five Core Problems Facing Leaders Today to disaster recovery organizations.

“I was deployed right on the coast of Mississippi,” reports Warneka, who lives in Wickliffe, “and the devastation was simply unreal.” Warneka’s volunteer work consisted of supporting the emotional needs of both Red Cross staff as well as Mississippi residents. “Several of the areas had been hit by Katrina, then by Rita, then by tornadoes spawned by Rita. Understandably, the people were reeling.” The devastation impacted the volunteers as well. “After working in this incredible damage all day, the volunteers were both physically and emotionally drained by the end of the day,” observed Warneka.

For the time that he was in Mississippi, “home” was a Seabee Naval Base in Gulfport, MS. With between 650-750 Red Cross Volunteers sleeping at the base each night, it was the largest staff shelter ever in the 125-year history of the Red Cross. “Imagine all those cots spaced about 2 feet apart in an enormous warehouse,” said Warneka, “and you get some sense of what it was like.”

His biggest lesson? “I have a renewed sense of faith in the American people,” observes Warneka. “I met the most amazing people from all 50 states who were volunteering their time to help others. And the people of Mississippi were gracious, patient and grateful. It truly warmed my heart.”

A leadership expert, Warneka had nothing but praise for the American Red Cross. “In less than one month, with primarily a volunteer force, the ARC was serving an area the size of Great Britain. Any consultant will tell you that is a staggering task.” Warneka’s book, Leading People the Black Belt Way, is available at: www.asogomi.com. Warneka is donating 10% of all sales in November to the various disaster relief organizations.

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