Media Contact: Martin Gagliano
Telephone: (669) 209-5266
nccrpublicaffairs@redcross.org
SAN FRANCISCO. July 30, 2024 —— The American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter honored local residents and community partners at the annual Chapter Awards and Recognition Event, "Honoring All Stars", held at Wilder Art and Garden Center in Orinda, CA. This year’s theme was a tribute to the tremendous support that volunteers and employees give to ensure effective service delivery throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
At the event, Peter Liddell from Contra Costa County, Kane Wong from Alameda County and Kathleen Lenihan from San Francisco County received the chapter’s top honor, the Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Leadership. Named after the founder of the Red Cross, the award recognizes a volunteer for their years of service in various leadership positions.
Peter has been a dedicated volunteer since 2010, contributing to over 20 Red Cross deployments in various roles including sheltering, feeding, disaster services technology and client services. He has also been a constant leader during steady state. Over the years, his leadership as Disaster Chair, Mass Care Coordinator, Disaster Action team Lead, Recovery Lead and other leadership positions instrumental to the Chapter’s operations. Peter has earned the respect of his peers thanks to his exceptional contributions and a long history of service to our humanitarian mission.
Kane has been a dedicated Red Cross volunteer since 2001. He continues to step up where needed and is a leader, always looking for opportunities to increase and improve service delivery. He serves in several capacities including Sheltering, Disaster Assessment, Workforce, Reunification, Community Partnerships, Disaster Action Team Lead and his most pivotal role as Alameda County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator. Kane has worked tirelessly managing liaisons across each of the 14 cities in Alameda County, coordinating with government and community partners directly to foster and expand lasting partnerships throughout the county. Along with the preparedness team, he has also established partnerships with fire departments and community organizations to support Sound the Alarm efforts.
Kathy joined the Red Cross in December 2015, starting with the Disaster Health Services and Disaster Action teams in San Francisco. Her dedication to the Red Cross mission led her to the role of Disaster Chair from June 2017 to August 2018. In 2020, Kathleen took on a pivotal leadership role as the Regional Services to the Armed Forces (SAF) Leadership Partner. Her exceptional work with the San Francisco VA earned the Red Cross the prestigious 2021 Special Contribution Service Organization Award from the Center for Development and Civic Engagement. Kathy’s efforts have established regular events with the San Francisco VA, helping us meet our Health and Wellness targets. As a veteran, she understands the unique needs of our SAF clients and continuously advocates for them. She is an excellent volunteer partner and a confidant for SAF Regional leadership. As a retired nurse, Kathy is passionate about our Stop the Bleed program and has ensured its presence at events throughout our region.
Suzanne Garrett and Olga Orloff were also honored with the Regional Excellence in Biomedical Services Award. In addition, the following awards were given to local volunteers:
“Our volunteers’ incredible dedication helps us support our community in a variety of ways 24/7/365,” said Hanna Malak, CEO of the Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “We’re grateful for their commitment and proud to work with them to make our communities grow stronger.”
Pictures from the event can be viewed here.
Become a Red Cross Volunteer:
Community members can make a difference in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco and San Mateo Counties by becoming a Red Cross volunteer. As this year’s heightened wildfire outlook continues a years-long trend of more frequent and intense climate disasters, volunteers are continually trained to meet the needs of those affected by disasters – providing food, shelter, and comfort to families; and they help local residents prepare for and recover from emergencies of all kinds. Red Cross volunteers also provide assistance to military members, veterans and their families; support the collection of 40% of the nation’s blood; and provide humanitarian aid across the globe. Those interested in finding the right position for their specific skills and talents can visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started.
About the American Red Cross of the Bay Area
With local offices in San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/bayarea or call us at (415) 427-8000. You may also find us on Facebook and Twitter
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