Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, Calif. — November 2, 2026 — The American Red Cross is inviting the community to nominate outstanding individuals for recognition at the annual Inland Empire Heroes Awards, taking place Tuesday, March 2, 2027, at the Ontario Convention Center.

The Inland Empire Heroes Awards will honor individuals whose acts of heroism and humanitarian service have strengthened our communities. Attendees will hear compelling stories of courage, compassion, and resilience—recognizing those who make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

HOW TO NOMINATE A HERO

Nominations for the event, held by the Red Cross of Riverside County and the Red Cross of San Bernardino County, can be made 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 of 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.

Nominations are due by Friday, December 18, 2026. Submit nominations via the online nomination form at redcross.org/IEHeroes, or submit via email by downloading the nomination form at redcross.org/IEHeroes and emailing the completed form to socalevents@redcross.org.

For more information, please visit redcross.org/IEHeroes, email socalevents@redcross.org or call Events Specialist Karyssa Fleming at 949-226-2348.

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, LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube.

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