Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 23, 2023) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada will honor 12 local volunteers at the annual Volunteer Recognition Event ceremony, Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Discovery Children’s Museum from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. These dedicated individuals, and more than 500 others throughout Southern Nevada, are being acknowledged for their dedication to supporting communities in need.
The honorees will be recognized for their commitment to various critical Red Cross efforts, including: nationwide disaster relief, responding to flooding and local home fires, preparing residents for the unexpected, supporting military families, helping reconnect families separated by war and natural disasters, and collecting lifesaving blood.
Over the last year, Southern Nevada Red Crossers have donated more than 30,000 hours of service. “Our volunteers are trained and dedicated to helping their neighbors and beyond,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Without their hard work and generosity, the Red Cross would not be able to deliver its mission.”
At Saturday’s event, the highest recognition, The Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership, will be presented to Diane Orgill of Las Vegas. The award is named after the American Red Cross founder and honors continued service in volunteer leadership roles.
“Diane’s selfless dedication is why we are able to accomplish our goal of making sure no one goes through a disaster alone,” Flanigan said. “Southern Nevada can be proud of her and all its dedicated volunteers who are the heart of the American Red Cross.”
Saturday’s awardees include:
Diane Orgill Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership
Eric Ventura Rising Star Volunteer Award
Stan Smith Biomedical Achievement Award
Janet Ravin Board Member Recognition Award
Jesse Oakley Communications Volunteer Award
Reino Graves Disaster Preparedness Volunteer Awardmmmm
Nikki Morachnick Disaster Response Volunteer Award
Yuri Graves Operations Volunteer Award
Michael Hart Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer Award
Jeffrey Galaraga Volunteer Services Volunteer Award
Heather McMurran Volunteer Leadership Award
Maggie Graves Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service
“Every day I am grateful for the dedicated volunteers who are the heart of the American Red Cross,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “The need remains great, and I encourage others in our community to join our effort.”
Learn how to become a Red Cross volunteer
The need for volunteers has never been greater as we experience larger and more intense disasters across the country. Please consider becoming a Red Cross volunteer to help families in need. We provide the training. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more.
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 or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.