The American Red Cross has received an outpouring of donations since late December, but with much of those funds going specifically for victims of the Asian tsunami, there has been a significant loss of support for causes closer to home, according to Jakki Caldwell-Phillips of the ARC Black Belt Chapter.

“We’ve had a enormous amount of house fires in Dallas County lately, so our budget is not where it used to be,” said Caldwell-Phillips, the ARC Black Belt fundraising coordinator. “A lot more people are giving in the name of the tsunami relief fund.”

To bring the ARC Black Belt Chapter’s budget back to where it needs to be, the organization is launching a new fundraising campaign involving the residents of Dallas County.

The promotion, called “Queen For A Day,” centers around a Mother’s Day contest that could make one lucky mother very happy.

From now through May 6, the Red Cross will be selling tickets for a chance to win a day of pampering and shopping.

Caldwell-Phillips said the winner of the drawing would receive a hair style at J.C. Penny Styling Salon, a facial makeover at McRae’s, a floral arrangement courtesy of Fred’s Flowers, a body massage from Mendy’s Massage Therapy, a pedicure and manicure by LeNails, a pre-paid Nokia Cell Phone from A-Nu-Concepts, gift certificates from several Selma Mall outlets and dinner for two at the St. James Hotel.

“On top of all this, our winner will be chauffeured by a limousine service,” Caldwell-Phillips said.

Tickets for the drawing cost $1 and are on sale at the American Red Cross Office or A-Nu-Concept, Studio 27, and Lorch’s Jewelry or the Selma Mall Office.

“All of the proceeds will go towards the Red Cross of the Black Belt to be used right here in Dallas County,” Caldwell-Phillips said.

The drawing will be held at noon on May 6 at the Selma Mall.

For more information, or if anyone would like to assist the Red Cross in its fundraising campaign, can call Caldwell-Phillips at 874-4641.