Media Contact: Aileen Blomdal
(669) 209-5266 | NCCRPublicAffairs@redcross.org

SANTA ROSA, Calif., July 10, 2026 — The American Red Cross North Bay Chapter honored local residents and community partners at the 2026 Chapter Awards and Volunteer Recognition Event, held at Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country in Petaluma.

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. Hilary King from Mill Valley was awarded this year’s highest honor.

Other Chapter & Regional Awards
In addition, the following awards were given to local Red Crossers and partners:

• Biomedical Services – Donor Ambassador Award: Patty Driver (Sebastopol), Annie Schaefer (Napa).
• Community Engagement Award: John Williams (Benicia), Meghan O'Leary (Rohnert Park), Chris Latorre (Santa Rosa).
• Department Support Services Award: Lynn Slack (Novato), Razi Aftab (Fairfield), Benjamin Greenberg (Santa Rosa).
• Disaster Cycle Services Award for Extraordinary Commitment and Dedication: Susan Reese (Fairfield), Doug Gray (Santa Rosa).
• Disaster Cycle Services – Extraordinary Leadership: Susan Todaro (San Rafael), Alzinia Pailin (Fairfield).
• New Volunteer Award a.k.a. “Rookie of the Year”: Ronald "Ronnie" Smith (Vacaville), Jenny Bard (Santa Rosa).
• Regional Excellence in Disaster Services Award: Alzinia Pailin (Fairfield).
• Teamwork and Collaboration Award: Marin County Mass Care Activation Team (Marin County), Marcia Antipa & Pooja Klebig (Kentfield & San Jose).
• Youth Services Award: Amarjot "AJ" Toor (American Canyon), Kimberly "Rosy" Avendano (Santa Rosa).
• Chapter Volunteer of the Year Award: Sue Yeres (San Rafael), Brenda Thomas (Fairfield), Gina Clemens (Santa Rosa).
• Regional Volunteer of the Year Award: Lyra Kelly (Mill Valley).

“We’re celebrating something truly incredible; we’re celebrating the people who show up and give their time, energy and compassion,” said Justin Mueller, CEO of the Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “Our volunteers spend countless hours preparing for moments we all hope never happen. And when those moments do arrive, we see more than their skills, but their character as well.”

Pictures
Photos from the 2026 North Bay Chapter Awards and Volunteer Recognition Event can be found here.

Become a Red Cross Volunteer
Community members can make a difference in the North Bay by becoming a Red Cross volunteer. 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 aid 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:
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 or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.