Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
What: Annual Volunteer Recognition Event honoring American Red Cross of Southern Nevada volunteers
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Culinary Academy of Las Vegas, 710 W. Lake Mead Blvd., North Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS (May 15, 2026) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada will honor local volunteers at its annual Volunteer Recognition Event on Saturday, May 16, at the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas in North Las Vegas. The event will recognize 14 volunteers for exceptional service and celebrate the work of more than 1,300 Red Cross volunteers across Southern Nevada.
In Southern Nevada, Red Cross volunteers help families after home fires, teach preparedness classes, support blood drives, assist military families and respond to disasters in Nevada and across the country.
“This event is our chance to thank the people who give their time, energy and compassion to help others,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Most people never see all the work volunteers do, but that service makes a real difference for families and communities across Southern Nevada.”
Volunteers Delivered More Than 51,000 Hours of Service
Over the past year, Southern Nevada volunteers contributed more than 51,000 hours helping people in their communities and supporting Red Cross work across the region. Since 2020, they have responded to 1,625 home fires and provided emergency assistance to 7,294 people.
In 2025, Red Cross of Southern Nevada volunteers responded to 265 home fires, helped 1,218 people and installed more than 2,600 free smoke alarms. They also deployed to every major disaster response nationwide, contributing more than 8,500 hours to relief operations. In addition, volunteers supported more than 700 blood drives that collected more than 16,500 units of blood.
Top Volunteer Honor Recognizes Disaster Readiness Leadership
Anthony “Tony” Gelish will receive the Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership, one of the highest honors given to Red Cross volunteers. Gelish is being recognized for the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Red Cross disaster teams ready to respond.
He helps oversee facilities, vehicles, supplies and shelter trailers, keeping equipment organized, stocked and ready to deploy. His work supported 2025 shelter operations and strengthened shelter readiness across Clark County. Gelish has also mentored volunteers, supported operations in Southern Utah and helped lead new volunteer orientations.
“Tony brings the kind of leadership that keeps disaster teams ready,” Flanigan said. “He makes sure our teams have what they need before a disaster happens. That preparation matters when families are counting on us.”
Volunteer Opportunities
Red Cross volunteers support the organization’s humanitarian mission in Southern Nevada and across the country. They respond to disasters, assist with blood drives, support military families, teach preparedness classes and help communities prepare for and recover from emergencies. To learn more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer, visit redcross.org/volunteer.
Saturday’s Awardees Include:
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.
