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

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., July 10, 2026 — The American Red Cross Central Coast Chapter honored local residents and community partners at the 2026 Chapter Awards and Volunteer Recognition Event, held at Seascape Golf Club in Aptos.

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. Dennis Alexander from Seaside was awarded this year’s highest honor.

Dennis Alexander has been an integral partner with Disaster Cycle Services for over nine years. A retired Law Enforcement Professional turned accomplished educator in Monterey Bay, Dennis has supported monthly smoke alarm events, appointment-based installs and countless preparedness presentations for both children and adults, helping make our communities more resilient.

Dennis is always the first to raise his hand when a project or event arises, and has been an exceptional Disaster Action Team Responder, leading colleagues as they support individuals and families on the worst days of their lives. Dennis truly embodies the greatest principles of Clara Barton through his unwavering commitment to serving others in need.

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

• Biomedical Services – Donor Ambassador Award: Rachel Sanchez (Watsonville).
• Biomedical Services – Transportation Specialist Award: Ronald Froehlich (Hollister).
• Community Engagement Award: Big Sur International Marathon Foundation (Carmel).
• Department Support Services Award: John Crepeau (Hollister).
• Disaster Cycle Services Award for Extraordinary Commitment and Dedication: Melody Heilmann (Santa Cruz).
• Disaster Cycle Services – Extraordinary Leadership: Christine Campton (Santa Cruz).
• Good Neighbor & Partnership Award: Lt. Nayeli Mercado - Salvation Army (Watsonville).
• International Humanitarian Services Award: Sarah Wright (Boulder Creek).
• New Volunteer Award a.k.a. “Rookie of the Year”: Sharon Bertoli (Santa Cruz).
• Services to the Armed Forces Award: The Animal Visitation Program Team (Central Coast Chapter).
• Teamwork and Collaboration Award: Beverly Will & Annamarie Gonzales (Watsonville & San Jose), Lorraine Jacobs & Patsy Gasca (Soquel & Salinas).
• Volunteer of the Year Award: Nick Brown (Capitola).
• Youth Services Award: Ruben Robles-Hernandez (Salinas).

“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
The American Red Cross Central Coast Chapter Awards and Volunteer Recognition Event photos can be found here.

Become a Red Cross Volunteer
Community members can make a difference in Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito Counties 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.