Media Contact: Martin Gagliano
Telephone: (669) 209-5266
nccrpublicaffairs@redcross.org

SANTA CRUZ (CA). July 30, 2024 —— The American Red Cross Central Coast Chapter honored local residents and community partners at their annual recognition event for chapter volunteers from Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties on June 13.

John Crepeau of San Benito 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.  

In his many years as a Red Cross volunteer, John has gone above and beyond the call of duty. He is always willing to help those in need. From tabling events, blood drives, Disaster Action Team calls, smoke alarm installations, deployments and maintenance of the fleet, his leadership skills have being helpful to his team and the community, ensuring everyone’s needs are met. He has a positive, outgoing personality and displays professionalism, compassion, dedication, and commitment to support the mission.

Another award of note was earned by Linnea Dunn of Santa Cruz County who received the Regional Team Spirit Award. In addition, the following awards were given to local volunteers:

• Biomedical Services – Donor Ambassador Program: Cynthia Snow (San Benito), Lee Hedgepeth (Monterey), Annette Dirks (Santa Cruz).
• Community Engagement Award: Sarah Nordwich of San Benito Food Bank, CEO, Tanya Kosta of ALL in Monterey, Trina Coffman-Gomez of Freedom Rotary
• Department Support Services Award: Virginia & Albert Becker (Santa Cruz), Central Coast Ops Team: Hannah Ritchey, Landry Dohou, Mia Fahad, Howard Yancey, Craig Jenni, Sal Duran, John Crepeau, Pam Breslin and Mary Prather.
• Disaster Cycle Services – Extraordinary Commitment and Dedication Award: David Guttirez (San Benito), Ann Bennett Young (Monterey), Sharon Parker (Santa Cruz).
• Disaster Cycle Services – Extraordinary Leadership: Dennis Alexander (Monterey), Janet Packer (Santa Cruz)
• Good Neighbor & Partnership Award: CalFire Division of Monterey/San Benito, Montage Health of Monterey County, Second Harvest- Erica Padilla-Chavez, CEO
• New Volunteer Award: Vanessa Hernandez (Monterey)
• Services to the Armed Forces Award: Renee Grossman (Monterey)
• Teamwork and Collaboration Award: Central Coast DCS Team: Sal Duran, AnnaMarie Gotti, Mary Guerro, Tom Wiley and Sandy Williamson along with Patsy Gasca and Gameelah Mohamed
• Volunteer of the Year Award: Tom Wiley (Monterey)

While the annual recognition event spotlights several key Red Cross volunteers, it serves as a celebration to honor the work of all local volunteers who dedicate many hours of service to the Red Cross and their local communities.

“The Central Coast Chapter is there for people facing emergencies every day,” said Michele Averill, CEO of the Red Cross Central Coast Chapter. “With the support of 338 dedicated local volunteers and generous donors, we provide care and comfort to those in need. I’m grateful for their dedication to our mission.”

Pictures from the event can be viewed here.

Become a Red Cross Volunteer: 

Community members can make a difference in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties by becoming a Red Cross volunteer. As this year’s storms and floods continues a 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 Central Coast

With offices in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz 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, visit our website at redcross.org/centralcoast or call us at (831) 624-6921. You may also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

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