The American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois is honoring a local woman, Mary Carmody of North Chicago, as the Military Hero at the organization’s 17th Annual Heroes Breakfast. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 1 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave. For more information please call 312.729.6178 or go to website: redcross.org/heroes.
After witnessing many veterans fall on hard times, Mary knew she wanted to do something to help them. With the support of friends, she started the Midwest Veterans Closet, an organization that provides veterans with food, clothing, housing and other types of support needed. Veterans and active duty service members travel from all over the Chicagoland area to visit Midwest Veterans Closet in Lake County. For Mary, a daughter of an immigrant who came to this country to escape WWII, helping those in need, who have served our country, has become her life’s mission.
“This year, it’s such an honor for the American Red Cross to recognize the work of exceptional individuals like Mary Carmody and Midwest Veterans Closet, which provides support to veterans and active duty members. Mary’s actions serve as an inspiration to all of us.” Said Celena Roldán, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois.
Additional honorees were selected in 11 community service categories. Heroes were chosen by an independent committee of leaders in the business and civic community. For the complete list of 2019 Heroes, visit redcross.org/heroes.
The 2019 Heroes Breakfast is made possible thanks to the generosity of our sponsors including: Walgreens, ITW, Kirkland & Ellis, Northern Trust and United Airlines.
About the American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois:
The American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois serves 9.5 million people in 21 counties, including Boone, Bureau, Carroll, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lake, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Putnam, Stephenson, Whiteside, Will and Winnebago. 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 us at redcross.org/il/chicago or visit us on Twitter @ChicagoRedCross.