MIAMI, Fla. (January 3, 2022) – On Saturday, January 29, the Greater Miami & The Keys Chapter of the American Red Cross will host its 2022 Florence Spottswood Humanitarian of the Year Gala at the Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel. Mrs. Spottswood founded the Key West Chapter of the American Red Cross in 1917, and in honor of her devotion to the principles of the Red Cross, the gala and annual award were established in 1995.
Since its inception, the Gala has honored community members who demonstrate leadership and compassion through community service. These individuals possess the qualities affirmed by the International Red Cross Movement including Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Universality and Unity. This year, The Spottswood Family have been named as the 2022 Humanitarians of the Year.
The 2022 Spottswood Gala will be chaired by Matthew Helmerich, Vice-Chair of the Greater Miami & The Keys Board of Directors. Additionally, the Gala Committee will include: Tom Callahan, the 2019 Honoree and the volunteer executive director and founding board member of the Star of the Sea Outreach Mission (SOS) in Key West; George Fernandez, Bryan Green, Lynn Kaufelt, Holly S. Merrill, Bunnie Smith, Andrea Spottswood, Elena Spottswood, John Spottswood, III, Terri Spottswood and Rosi Ware.
“The American Red Cross is one of the longest established organizations in The Keys and has been there to provide relief and comfort to families and individuals in times of need,” said Deborah Koch, Executive Director of the chapter. “We are thrilled to honor the Spottswood family for their multi-generation commitment and leadership to the Red Cross and the entire community.”
A special thank you to the sponsors who are supporting the Florence Spottswood Humanitarian of the Year Gala: Matthew Helmerich, Edward B. and Joan T. Knight Foundation, The Spottswood Family, W. Ann Reynolds and all other contributing sponsors for their wonderful support this year.
Tickets and sponsorships are available for this signature event and can be purchased at redcross.org/SpottswoodGala or by contacting Anthony Robinson at SouthFloridaRSVP@redcross.org or (561) 531-2989. Proceeds from the Spottswood Gala will benefit the work of the American Red Cross in the Florida Keys.
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 Twitter at @SFLRedCross.
About the Florence Spottswood Humanitarian of the Year Gala:
The Spottswood family of Key West established the Florence Spottswood Humanitarian of the Year Award and Gala in 1995 to honor Mrs. Spottswood’s devotion to the principles of the American Red Cross and her determination to bring the first chapter to the citizens of the Keys in 1917. Each year, this Gala recognizes an outstanding leader in the Monroe County community. This individual possesses the qualities affirmed by the International Red Cross Movement including Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Universality, and Unity.