SANTA ANA, Calif. (November 7, 2018) – Do you know an “ordinary” person with extraordinary courage? Someone who has saved a life, helped a neighbor in need, or made a difference in Riverside or San Bernardino Counties? If you know a local hero, the American Red Cross Desert to the Sea Region asks you to nominate them for the 3rd Annual Inland Empire Heroes Luncheon.
“Not all heroes wear capes,” said Lois Beckman, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Serving Riverside County and Coachella Valley/Morongo Basin. “We need the public’s help to identify everyday heroes in our community who we can recognize for their contributions.”
The Inland Empire Heroes Luncheon honors those who make an impact through their brave and compassionate actions and who demonstrate a commitment to creating safer, stronger communities. Since the event’s inception, dozens of local heroes have been honored.
Heroes will be celebrated in the following categories:
· Animal Welfare Hero
· Community Hero
· Corporate Hero
· First Responder Hero
· Gift of Life Hero
· Service to the Armed Forces Hero
· Water Rescue Hero
· Youth Hero (age 18 or younger)
For a complete list of category descriptions or to submit a nomination, visit redcross.org/ieheroes.
Heroes are nominated by the public and are chosen by an awards selection committee, who select honorees based on the degree to which their actions embody the spirit and the mission of the Red Cross.
This year’s award recipients will be honored at the Inland Empire Heroes Luncheon event on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Honorees will also be recognized at the Tenth Annual Red Cross Jersey Night on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena. As part of Red Cross Jersey Night, the Ontario Reign will be wearing custom-designed Red Cross-themed jerseys for the game. These jerseys will be sold in a live auction immediately following the game, with proceeds benefitting the American Red Cross Serving San Bernardino County.
“We love the tradition of honoring award recipients at Red Cross Jersey Night,” said Yevette Baysinger, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Serving San Bernardino County. “Riverside and San Bernardino Counties are home to many unsung heroes. We hope that people will come forward to nominate deserving locals whose inspirational stories may otherwise go untold.”
How to Nominate a Hero
Submit a nomination online or download the nomination form at redcross.org/ieheroes.
Download and submit nomination form via mail:
American Red Cross
Attn: Events Department
600 Parkcenter Dr.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Nominees must reside, work or be active in Riverside or San Bernardino Counties or the acts of courage or humanitarian service must have occurred in one of these counties. The heroic act must be either an ongoing commitment to the community for more than one year or must have occurred 12 months preceding the Heroes Luncheon event.
Nominations are accepted year-round. To be considered for the 2019 Inland Empire Heroes Luncheon, nominations must be received by November 16, 2018.
The Inland Empire Heroes Luncheon is made possible by generous sponsors including Presenting Sponsor Sysco Riverside.
For event information, to purchase tickets or to nominate a hero please visit redcross.org/ieheroes or contact the local Red Cross at Events.DTS@redcross.org or (714) 481-5411.
About the American Red Cross Desert to the Sea Region:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The American Red Cross Desert to the Sea Region has proudly served Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties for more than 100 years. For more information, please visit redcross.org/dts or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossDTS or Facebook at facebook.com/RedCrossDTS.
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