New York, NY (February 8, 2024) – The American Red Cross in New York State last week celebrated five New York State legislators for their commitment to building more resilient communities.
The Red Cross in New York State is composed of three regions – Greater New York, Eastern New York, and Western New York – and legislators from each region were presented this honor during a ceremony in Albany, NY (Photos available)
The 2024 Legislators of the Year are Hon. Brad Hoylman-Sigal; Hon. Pamela J. Hunter; Hon. Angelo J. Morinello; Hon. Alexis Weik; and Hon. Kenneth Zebrowski.
“We are so grateful for the partnership we share with our legislators across the state. Their commitment to improve the lives of their constituents aligns with the Red Cross’ mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. They each share in our humanitarian spirit, and we are honored to recognize them for their efforts to help build more resilient communities,” said Celena Sarillo, Nicholas Bond, and Kevin Coffey, CEOs of the American Red Cross Greater NY, Western NY, and Eastern NY Regions.
“I am honored to have been named one of the Red Cross Legislators of the Year for 2024! Thank you to the dedicated staff members and volunteers at the Red Cross, who inspire me every day with their commitment to helping others. From disaster relief efforts to blood drives, to the services that they provide for our veterans, the Red Cross demonstrates the very best of humanity. I am proud of the work I have done with the Red Cross to keep our community safe, and well informed, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the Red Cross, whenever possible, in the new year,” said Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, recipient of the Legislator of the Year Award for the Red Cross New York City Chapter of the Greater NY Region.
“It was an honor to receive a Legislator of the Year award from the Red Cross. The services they provide in my district and around the world are invaluable and help save lives every day. It has been a privilege to work with them on important projects, such as installing smoke alarms and providing CPR training. While I have received this award, my work with the Red Cross is far from over and I look forward to our continued collaboration,” said Asm. Pamela J. Hunter, recipient of the Legislator of the Year Award for the Red Cross Eastern NY Region.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected as the Red Cross Legislature of the Year for the Western New York Region! The Red Cross’ unwavering commitment to helping people in times of armed conflict, natural disasters and emergencies is truly commendable,” said Asm. Angelo J. Morinello, recipient of the Legislator of the Year Award for the Red Cross Western NY Region.
“It was a tremendous honor today to receive the American Red Cross Legislator of the Year Award. This historic organization provides so many services including AED/CPR certification, childcare, lifeguarding, water safety certification and so much more. They provide free smoke alarms for anyone who needs through the Sound the Alarm - Save A Life program. They are always on scene to provide trained relief for natural disasters or local emergencies. I thank the volunteers for all that they do and for the tremendous honor,” said Sen. Alexis Weik, recipient of the Legislator of the Year Award for the Red Cross on Long Island chapter of the Greater NY Region.
“I am honored to have been named a 2024 Legislator of the Year by the American Red Cross Greater NY Region. The American Red Cross does significant work supporting New Yorkers, and I have been proud to partner with them on important initiatives in my community, including blood drives and smoke detector installations. I am thankful to have received this recognition and look forward to continuing to work with the Red Cross,” said Asm. Kenneth Zebrowski, recipient of the Legislator of the Year Award for the Red Cross Metro NY North chapter of the Greater NY Region.
2024 Legislators of the Year Background
Greater NY Region
The Greater New York Region of the Red Cross supports the more than 12.5 million residents of New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Rockland Counties, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Greenwich, Conn.
2024 Legislators of the Year Honorees from the Greater NY Region are: Hon. Brad Hoylman-Sigal; Hon. Alexis Weik; and Hon. Kenneth Zebrowski.
Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (47th Senate District)
The Red Cross in Greater New York recognized Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal for his continued dedication to building more resilient communities. Sen. Hoylman-Sigal has stood alongside the Red Cross to help support residents and help protect their neighbors through preparedness education both in person and virtually.
Sen. Alexis Weik (8th Senate District)
The Red Cross on Long Island recognized Sen. Alexis Weik her work to help us build more resilient communities. Sen. Weik has hosted presentation of all our preparedness programs for adults and children. She recently advanced our Home Fire Safety program in her district by recording a PSA to invite constituents to sign up for an installation.
Asm. Kenneth Zebrowski (96th Assembly District)
The Red Cross Metro NY North Chapter recognized Assembly member Kenneth Zebrowski for his commitment to help educate constituents in Rockland County about how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. After a spate of fires in Rockland County, Assembly member Zebrowski partnered with our Home Fire Safety team to record a PSA to share information with his constituents about this life saving program and he rolled up his sleeves to go and install smoke alarms in constituent homes.
Eastern NY Region
The American Red Cross Eastern New York Region is comprised of three chapters along with 3 blood donation centers: Central & Northern New York Chapter; Hudson Valley Chapter; and Northeastern New York Chapter. Together, these chapters serve a population of more than 3.6 million people across 27 counties and more than 51,000 square miles.
The Legislator of the Year from the Eastern NY Region is Hon. Pamela J. Hunter
Asm. Pamela Hunter (128th Assembly District)
The Eastern NY Region recognized Asm. Pamela Hunter for her steadfast commitment to provide lifesaving information to her constituents. Among many partnerships, Asm. Hunter supported the 2023 Sound the Alarm. Save a Life program, helping to install free smoke alarms and provide fire safety education for hundreds of residents.
Western NY Region
The American Red Cross, Western New York Region, spanning 27 counties, comprises three chapters – Western NY (Buffalo), Greater Rochester, and the Southern Tier. The Western New York Region is a significant part of the storied history of the American Red Cross as founder Clara Barton established the very first Red Cross Chapter in Dansville, NY, in 1881.
The Legislator of the Year from the Western NY Region is Hon. Angelo J. Morinello
Assembly member Angelo J. Morinello (145th Assembly District)
The Western NY Region recognized Asm. Angelo J. Morinello for his support of various parts of the Red Cross mission, including promoting and sponsoring local blood drives.
On the disaster cycle services front, he has partnered with our team to organize preparedness events throughout his district, especially Hands Only CPR, as well as Sound the Alarm.
Past recipients of the Red Cross New York State Legislator of the Year Award include:
2019:
Asm. Richard Gottfried, Asm. Crystal People Stokes, Sen. Thomas O’Mara and Asm. John McDonald.
2020:
Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, Sen. Timothy Kennedy, Sen. Joseph Robach, Asm. Al Stirpe, Asm. Angelo Santabarbara and Asm. Marcos Crespo.
2021:
Sen. Joseph Addabbo, Sen. John Brooks, Sen. Patrick Gallivan, Sen. Sue Serino, Asm. Martiza Davila and Asm. Donna Lupardo
2022:
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Asw. Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Asm. Desmond Meeks, Sen. Daphne Jordan, Sen. Anna Kaplan, and Senate Minority Leader Robert G. Ortt.
2023:
Sen. Shelley B. Mayer; Sen. James Sanders Jr.; Asm. Michelle Hinchey; Asm. Michaelle C. Solages; and Assistant Minority Leader Philip A. Palmesano.
During fiscal year 2023, the Red Cross in New York State (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023):
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.
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