Corporate DevelopMint Client Receives $1 Million Gift

Upstate South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross Recieves First $1 Million Gift

(From The Greenville News, Greenville Online, September 30, 2005)

Over the last 10 years, Alvin and Wanda McCall have given generously to the Upstate South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross. The Greenville couple, who founded the first link in the Ryan's Steakhouse chain in 1978 on Laurens Road, recently decided to dig deeper.

They are making the first $1 million donation the Upstate chapter has ever received, according to Mary Thomas with the Red Cross. As a result, the organization's Grove Road offices now bear their name following a dedication ceremony there Thursday. Alvin McCall said: "It's pretty standard that we have had a measure of success. And we have an obligation to give back to the community."

McCall said they support the Red Cross because it does an extremely good job as first responder. "I think this has been proven with Katrina and Rita both," he said. "They are the first to give aid when tragedy strikes."

When the new sign bearing the couple's name was unveiled, Wanda McCall wiped tears from her eyes. "It's still a shock," she said. "We are honored that they would want to do that. But the volunteers are the real workers."

For more information about the Upstate South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross , visit the Chapter’s website.