21st Annual Hometown Heroes Awards Luncheon 2026

22 brave individuals and a pup named Matcha honored for quick thinking and heroism

In 2026, the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region marked a meaningful milestone with the 21st Annual Hometown Heroes Awards Celebration, held May 15 aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California.

For more than two decades, this inspiring event has honored local individuals who acted with extraordinary courage and compassion in moments of need. Their heroic efforts reflect the humanitarian spirit of the Red Cross mission.

From lifesaving rescues to quiet acts of service, the stories shared during the celebration offered powerful reminders of humanity at its best. Supported by generous corporate and philanthropic sponsors, the event also helped fund the vital work of the Red Cross throughout the Los Angeles Region.

The luncheon celebrated hope, humanity and the power of helping others while recognizing those who make a lasting difference in our communities.

We are now accepting nominations for our 2027 Hometown Heroes. Help us honor individuals whose courage, compassion and selfless actions made a meaningful difference in our community — and plan to join us for the 22nd Annual Hometown Heroes Awards Celebration in spring 2027.

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Meet Our 2026 Heroes

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Seven-year-old Savanah Vasquez, her quick-thinking neighbor Ari Voukydis and off-duty paramedic Richard Recino emerged as heroes during a dangerous fire that threatened a Larchmont home. When Ari noticed flames consuming a tree and car outside the house, he rushed through the neighborhood banging on doors to warn residents. Savanah, a second grader who lives with her mother and grandmother, felt the intense heat through the window and ran to wake her grandmother and helped get her family out, later telling a reporter, “Good people help each other,” despite suffering burns to her hands and feet. As families fled the smoke and heat, Richard, an off-duty paramedic heading home from Thanksgiving dinner, ran toward the fire, wrapped Savanah in his coat and carried her to safety, then alerted firefighters that people remained inside and assisted them with equipment. Together, the actions of a courageous child, a vigilant neighbor and a selfless medical professional helped save lives in a terrifying moment

Watch their story here

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For more than a decade, Sam Chinarian has exemplified the quiet, unwavering generosity that helps save lives as a committed blood and platelet donor. In 2012, when the infant daughter of a family friend began a months-long fight against a brain tumor, Sam became her dedicated blood and platelet donor. Month after month, he drove more than 50 miles each way from Irvine to West LA to provide the precise blood match she needed.Even after the child’s passing, Sam continued donating platelets at the Red Cross blood donation center in Laguna Hills and remains a frequent, dependable donor today. His willingness to commit year after year to helping patients he may never meet reflects a deep belief in service, community and the lifesaving power of blood donation.