NBC voice entertains Red Cross

Friday afternoon, Steve Mackall was a "must-see" at the Nittany Lion Inn.

Mackall, the voice of NBC who is "the one pitching the shows between the shows," traveled to Happy Valley to share his experiences and humor at the Pennsylvania Red Cross Conference at the Inn, 200 W. Park Ave.

Mackall, who is heard between NBC shows saying "Up next, a brand new Seinfeld on must-see TV," used the conference theme, "Start Spreading the News," to engage the audience of American Red Cross directors and volunteers in a humorous portrayal of what the Red Cross could do to improve its narrow image.

Through song and story, Mackall expressed that Red Cross workers need to tell their personal stories of why they are committed to helping others.

"This is really cool because this is a statewide conference and these people are willing to make a Mecca here," Mackall said. "These people believe in what they do. It's like adding a good, solid match to a tinderbox."

Mackall said he feels guilty about how much fun his job is at times. While imitating his voice impression of a happy flea that he did for the movie All Dogs Go To Heaven, he said sometimes all he can think about is a medic in Pittsburgh zapping someone and saying, " 'Clear'. . . 'Clear'."

Mackall emphasized the importance of networking in an organization or in one's personal life. Mackall told the crowd that the world is a "whole problem solving machine" and that people are to be used to solve problems.

"Growing up in Cleveland, me and my friends would never think to talk to the guys at the parked car lots, but you never know about them," Mackall said. "You got to talk to them too. Maybe they know someone that can help you."

Through the "art of communication" rather than the "heart of communication," Mackall said the Red Cross could focus on attaining emotional responses from the people it is trying to reach.

Mackall came to be the keynote speaker at the conference because of his comedian background and motivational speaking skills, said Virginia Brown, executive director of the local chapter of the American Red Cross. In addition, Mackall's sister and sister-in-law are both involved with chapters of the American Red Cross in Philadelphia and Lower Bucks County, respectively.

Jennifer Dugan (senior-human development and family studies), an intern at the Centre Communities Chapter of the Red Cross, said Mackall succeeded in motivating the audience.

"The point was to get people motivated and he hit it right on the head," Dugan said. "He served the purpose well."