Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (March 22, 2024) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada will celebrate the extraordinary contributions of 10 local volunteers at its annual Volunteer Recognition Event. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 23 at the Cannery Hotel & Casino from 10 a.m. to Noon. These individuals, along with more than 500 other volunteers across Southern Nevada, will be recognized for their unwavering dedication to community support.
The event honors volunteers for their involvement in key Red Cross initiatives, including disaster relief efforts nationwide, response to flooding and residential fires, emergency preparedness, assistance to military families, reuniting families affected by war and natural disasters, and the collection of lifesaving blood donations.
In the past year alone, volunteers from Southern Nevada have contributed over 30,000 hours of service. Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter, emphasized the importance of their commitment: “Our volunteers are trained and deeply dedicated to helping those in need. The Red Cross’s mission could not be fulfilled without their significant contributions.”
The ceremony’s highlight will be the presentation of The Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership to Fran Feldman of Las Vegas. Named after the founder of the American Red Cross, this award celebrates exceptional volunteer leadership.
Flanigan praised Feldman’s efforts: “Fran’s unwavering dedication is a cornerstone of our ability to ensure that no one faces a disaster alone. Southern Nevada should take pride in her achievements and the collective efforts of all our volunteers, who truly embody the spirit of the American Red Cross.”
Saturday’s awardees include:
Fran Feldman Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership
Milton Lightfoot Rising Star Volunteer Award
Marcia Famolaro Biomedical Achievement Award
Bryant Thornton Board Member Recognition Award
Teri Gamer Disaster Preparedness Volunteer Award
Vince Miller Disaster Response Volunteer Award
Patrick Moore Operations Volunteer Award
Ruth Ballentine Volunteer Services Volunteer Award
Rockee Nelson Volunteer Leadership Award
Anthony Gelish Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service
“Every day I am grateful for the dedicated volunteers who make up the American Red Cross,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “With the increasing frequency and severity of disasters, the need for volunteers has never been more critical. I encourage our community members to consider joining our ranks.”
Become a Red Cross volunteer today
The demand for compassionate volunteers is growing as we face larger and more complex disasters. By becoming a Red Cross volunteer, you can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need. Training is provided. To join our team, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
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 follow us on social media.