Orange County, CALIF. — February 2, 2026 — The American Red Cross of Orange County is seeking nominations for local community heroes to be honored at the annual Orange County Heroes Awards and Luncheon, taking place Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library.

The Orange County Heroes Awards and Luncheon recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations whose acts of bravery, selflessness and humanitarian service have made a meaningful impact in Orange County.

Community members are encouraged to nominate an “ordinary” person who has demonstrated extraordinary courage — someone who has saved a life, helped a neighbor in need, or contributed to the wellbeing of the community in a significant way.

“The Orange County Heroes Awards and Luncheon is our opportunity to celebrate the people and organizations making a positive impact in our local communities,” said Becky Firey, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Orange County. “Each year, we are inspired by the incredible stories of heroism shared at this powerful and uplifting event.”

Nominations are due by Friday, February 20, 2026. There is no cost to nominate nor any cost for the honoree to attend the event. Learn more and nominate your hero online at redcross.org/OCHeroes.

Nominations are being accepted in the following categories:
 

• Animal Welfare Hero: Presented to an animal that has protected a human or another animal in a time of need, to a person who has rescued an animal from a traumatic situation, to an animal that is making a difference to impact someone’s life, or to an individual that cares for animals.
• Corporate Hero: A business or organization that has contributed significantly to the American Red Cross mission and/or made a positive impact in our community.
• Disaster Services Hero: An individual or an organization that has exhibited heroic efforts in any or all the areas of disaster services, including preparedness, response or recovery during a natural disaster or emergency situation through mission-driven response assistance to people in need.
• First Responder Hero: Presented to a professional or volunteer serving as a law enforcement official, firefighter, first responder or responder in the medical or healthcare field. This award is presented to a person or persons who has exhibited heroism in their response to an emergency, on or off-duty, through acts of courage or selflessness.
• Gift of Life Hero: An individual or group that supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross through blood or platelet donations or inspiring others to give blood or platelets.
• Good Samaritan Hero: Presented to a person that has demonstrated outstanding heroism, skill, commitment, or resourcefulness in attempt to save one or more lives by utilizing skills aligned with those taught in American Red Cross programs such as CPR/AED/First Aid or other health and preparedness training.
• Service to the Armed Forces Hero: Presented to a member of the armed forces (active or veteran, commissioned or non-commissioned) whose heroic action(s) demonstrated exceptional courage or improved the welfare of the military community. This award may be presented posthumously and may also be awarded to ROTC members or to civilians/organizations that have made a significant impact on the military community.
• Youth Hero (age 18 or younger): Presented to a youth in the community who has demonstrated courage, initiative and/or compassion in the spirit of the American Red Cross in service to another individual or the welfare of the region.
   

NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS

• All nominees must work or reside in Orange County. The heroic act may have occurred elsewhere.
• The heroic act must be either an ongoing commitment to the community or must have occurred in 2025 or 2026.
• It is possible to have more than one person awarded in a category for the same act.
• The 2026 Class of Heroes will be selected by the Heroes Selection Committee.
• Nominees may meet the criteria for more than one category or be moved to a different category at the discretion of the Selection Committee during deliberation.

For more information or to nominate a hero, please visit redcross.org/OCHeroes or contact Events Specialist Karyssa Fleming at 949-226-2348 or socalevents@redcross.org.

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/SoCal or cruzrojaamericana.org, or connect with the Southern California Region on X, Instagram, YouTube or Facebook. 

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