MIAMI (December 6, 2018) – The Greater Miami & The Keys Chapter of the American Red Cross is pleased to announce the 2019 Florence Spottswood Humanitarian of the Year Award and Gala on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel. The event was established by the Spottswood family of Key West in gratitude of Mrs. Spottswood’s devotion to the principles of the American Red Cross and her determination in bringing the first chapter to the citizens of the Florida Keys in 1917.
This year, Tom Callahan has been named as the 2019 Humanitarian of the Year for his service and dedication to residents of the Keys. Callahan is executive director and a founding board member of the Star of the Sea Outreach Mission (SOS) in Key West. In ten years of service, the Mission has become the largest provider of food for hunger relief and one of the most respected nonprofits in Monroe County, with operations extending from Key Largo to Bahama Village. As executive director, Callahan oversaw the distribution of over two million pounds of food in 2017, and his prowess in fundraising has developed an organization with an annual budget 50 times that of when the doors were first opened in 2006.
“SOS is constantly seeking to improve the most pressing needs for food in our community,” said Callahan. “Through our food pantry, Community Kitchen project and nutrition education programs, we seek to increase the health and well-being of low-income individuals and families here in Monroe County.”
In August 2018, the American Red Cross announced a partnership with the SOS Foundation to support Monroe County residents still recovering from Hurricane Irma.
We are committed to continuing our support of the Keys and recovery efforts,” said Joanne Nowlin, CEO of the Red Cross South Florida Region. “We are proud to partner with the SOS Foundation and honor Tom at the Spottswood Gala for his dedication to his community.”
Proceeds from the Spottswood Gala will benefit the work of the American Red Cross in the Florida Keys. Tickets are now on sale for this signature event and can be purchased at redcross.org/spottswoodgala or by contacting Diana Rojas at diana.rojas@redcross.org or (305) 389-4778.
When & Where:
2019 Spottswood Gala
Saturday, January 26, 2019
6 to 10 p.m.
Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel
3841 North Roosevelt Boulevard
Key West, FL 33040
For tickets and information, please contact Diana Rojas at diana.rojas@redcross.org or (305) 389-4778.
About the American Red Cross:
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. For more information, please visit redcross.org/southflorida or visit us on Facebook or Twitter at @SFLRedCross.
About the Florence Spottswood Humanitarian of the Year Award & Gala:
The Spottswood family of Key West established the Florence Spottswood Humanitarian of the Year Award, and the Gala during which to present it, 25 years ago in gratitude of Mrs. Spottswood’s devotion to the principles of the American Red Cross and her determination in bringing the first chapter to the citizens of the Keys in 1917. Since its inception, the Gala has honored community members who demonstrate leadership and compassion through community service.
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