Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 22, 2022) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada recognized 12 local volunteers at the annual Volunteer Excellence Awards ceremony on Saturday afternoon. Celebrating their distinguished service and dedication to the Red Cross mission, these volunteers selflessly donated beyond expectations to help the community.
The honorees, along with the more than 600 Red Cross volunteers in Southern Nevada, were acknowledged for their commitment to responding during this past year’s devastatingly destructive wildfire season, supporting disaster relief nationwide, and responding to local home fires – delivering services all while navigating the worldwide pandemic.
“Our volunteers are trained and dedicated to helping their neighbors, so no one has to go through an emergency or a disaster alone,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “We rely on the support and kindness of our volunteers who believe deeply in the Red Cross mission.”
At this weekend’s virtual awards event, the highest volunteer award given, The Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership, was posthumously bestowed upon Ronald Love for his tireless support of the Southern Nevada Chapter.
This event celebrated the extraordinary achievements of volunteers who respond to disasters, support military communities, prepare residents for the unexpected, help reconnect families separated by war and natural disasters, and help collect lifesaving blood.
“Every day I am grateful for the dedicated volunteers who are the heart of the American Red Cross,” said Stan Smith, Chairman of the Red Cross of Southern Nevada Board of Directors and Vice President of Emergency Management and General Services at Boyd Gaming. “The need remains great, and I encourage others in our community to join our effort.”
The awardees include:
Ronald Love Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership
Kari Tanaka Rising Star Volunteer Award
Stan Smith Board Member Recognition Award
Tim Lakers Biomedical Achievement Award
Kathy Caan Business Operations Volunteer Award
Tony Gelish Business Operations Volunteer Award
Heather McMurran Disaster Response Volunteer Award
Eva Stowers International Services Award
Jackie Smiley Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer Award
Pamela Hoffman Volunteer Service Volunteer Award
Nikki Morachnick Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service
Fran Feldman Volunteer Leadership Award
Learn more about volunteering at the American Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteer.
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.