The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters, provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply, teaches lifesaving skills, and supports military members and their families.
We are a charitable organization -- not a government agency -- and depend on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform our humanitarian mission.
Red Cross honors volunteers
Red Cross volunteers were honored recently at our annual
meeting and volunteer celebration for outstanding service.
Barbara Whitley received the Cliff Andrews Exceptional
Volunteer Service Award, which honors a Union County man who was an instructor
in disaster, health and safety on the local, state and national levels.
Whitley is a passionate disaster services volunteer, serving
at four national and countless county disasters. “Barbara’s compassion when
responding to local families needing disaster services truly embodies the
principles of the Red Cross and the Cliff Andrews award,” said Kathy Bragg, Red
Cross community executive.
Board members Tricia Beauchemin and Pete Hovanec were named
to the Hugh Griffith Humanitarian Honor Roll for
outstanding leadership. The late Griffith served on the board for 12 years.
Beauchemin has been involved with the Red Cross since 2007
and chaired the Rhapsody in Red ball for two years. Her creativity and
collaborative approach has strengthened the team of volunteers involved and
helped make the ball the signature event for the chapter, Bragg said.
In his role as board chair, Hovanec has led the agency for
two years, helping the chapter transition into the new regional Red Cross concept.
The Corporate Spirit Award was awarded to Stepp Lehnhardt
Law Group for its continuing support that ranges from financial support of
events to board membership.
The Community Spirit Award was given to Nancy Stephen with
Cameo Communications and Bob Sabin with Clearly Carolina Water and Coffee. Both
provide donate countless hours of behind-the-scenes work for the Red Cross.
Volunteers win fun awards
This year, the chapter handed out fun awards to honor and encourage local volunteers who donate their time and skills in non-traditional, but equally important roles.
Cathy Powers was named the Rookie of the Year; David Helms
was named Weekend Warrior, and Nancy Mitchell received the In a Pinch Award.
The Sarno family (George, Michele and Destiny) took home the Family Affair
Award.
Janine Gauthier earned the Head of the Class award for
taking advantage of training opportunities; Martha Fisichello won the Stealth
Award for doing jobs secretly, while David Basri earned the Keeping the Program
Alive Award for going above and beyond to provide service.
Jim Powers took the Golden Hammer Award for his skills and
time in building maintenance and facility operations, and Chris Bragg earned
the Dirty Boot Award for his willingness to take on thankless, but necessary,
jobs.
Sheila Penegar earned the Sunny Day Award for her perpetual
smile; Alan Pollack took home the Breakthrough Performance Award, and Dawn
Pierce earned the Women of Hope Award for her work in the support group.
The first Judy Duston Gift of Life Award was given to Ronnie
Cutler for his dedication to the blood program. Duston, a Red Cross blood services
employee, died earlier this year.
Employee Cathy Mitchell received the Spirit of Excellence
Award.
Emergency response trailers
ready to roll
Two new Red Cross ready response trailers are ready to serve Union and Anson counties, thanks to a $19,575 grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation. The funds were designated to expand disaster support, including staff and volunteer training and shelter supplies.
The grant allowed the Union County chapter to add to its emergency response trailers strategically placed in Union and Anson counties.
Here, Red Cross volunteer Richard Stone applies the signature decals to the trailers. Across the nation, 128 chapters received Wal-Mart grants; Union County is one of six North Carolina chapters to receive part of the $5 million funding.
About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Wal-Mart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Wal-Mart Foundation supports initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. In 2007, Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Wal-Mart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.
