About Us

1917
Red Cross activity began in Larimer County, Colorado, when explosive growth of the Red Cross was taking place as Americans rallied to support World War I efforts. Over a thousand Red Cross chapters were chartered that year. March 20 -- A charter was issued to a Larimer County Chapter with headquarters in Fort Collins. This chapter was responsible for all of Larimer County except the city of Loveland (the chapter would assume responsibility for Loveland as well in 1932).

1972
The chapter moved into its current headquarters building. At that time the location was approximately halfway between Fort Collins and Loveland., and the mailing address was a rural box number. In the years since, both cities have crept up on the site. Now, incorporated areas of both Fort Collins and Loveland are visible from the Chapter House at 120 Saturn Drive, Fort Collins.

1992
The chapter celebrated its 75th anniversary with a banquet and address by Gene Dyson of Atlanta, Georgia, a member of the national Red Cross Board of Governors.

1993
The Chapter House was expanded with the addition of two large classrooms and remodeling of existing areas. The new areas were dedicated April 2nd.

1994 March 1
The next major step for the chapter occurred this year when a merger with the North Park Chapter and a name change took effect. The North Park Chapter covering Jackson County, Colorado (Walden, Rand, Gould, etc.) requested a merger. Since it appeared unfair to retain the name Larimer County while also serving Jackson County, the Board of Directors asked for the name Centennial Chapter to be assigned. The name pays tribute to the fact that Colorado is the Centennial State -- having been granted statehood on the 100th anniversary of the United States, and because it is the area about which author James Michener wrote in his novel Centennial.