NEW YORK —The American Red Cross in Greater New York will host its annual Red Cross Heroes Gala on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Manhattan. This signature event celebrates the mission of the Red Cross and honors civic leaders and community heroes whose extraordinary actions embody compassion and courage.

The evening will be chaired by Erin Hamad and Erin Moldovan, dedicated supporters and champions of the Red Cross mission. Guests will enjoy an inspiring program highlighting stories of resilience and humanitarian service. Bill Ritter, ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor, will serve as emcee. 

Honorees for the evening include:

Humanitarian Award: Ted Hathaway

Ted Hathaway is a visionary leader known for transforming Oldcastle Glass into Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope® and driving innovation across the building industry. His commitment to advancing technology, education, and community initiatives, including support for architectural education and cultural programming, reflects the humanitarian spirit at the heart of this award.

Vanguard Award: Major League Baseball

The Red Cross honors Major League Baseball (MLB) for its critical support for disaster relief. MLB was the first major sports league to join our Disaster Responder program, marking five years of partnership in 2026. Together with teams like the New York Yankees, MLB has supported major relief efforts, from Hurricane Milton to local home fires. By accepting this award, MLB helps spotlight the vital resources Disaster Responder partners provide before, during, and after emergencies.

Crystal Cross Award: Peanuts Worldwide LLC

This year, the Red Cross is proud to honor Peanuts Worldwide LLC with the Crystal Cross Award. Since 1950, PEANUTS has united fans across generations with messages of kindness, laughter and community — values that align perfectly with the Red Cross mission. Through several collaborations, PEANUTS has helped to mobilize a new generation of blood donors. We celebrate and honor this partnership, their enduring cultural legacy and their meaningful impact on lifesaving work.

National Hero: Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, USCG

Petty Officer Scott Ruskan of the U.S. Coast Guard is honored as our National Hero for his extraordinary bravery during the July 2025 Texas flooding. In his very first rescue mission, and with only six months of training, he saved 165 people, most of them children, after floodwater overtook Camp Mystic. By remaining on the ground to triage and coordinate evacuations, Ruskan enabled crews to airlift more survivors to safety. His selfless actions, widely hailed by federal officials, exemplify the lifesaving mission of the Coast Guard.

Good Samaritan Hero: Christopher Perez

Christopher Perez, a Yorktown Heights postal carrier, is recognized as our Good Samaritan Hero for his swift and courageous actions during a March 28, 2025, fire at Jefferson Valley Senior Living. While on his mail route, Perez saw smoke and discovered an elderly man trapped on a balcony. Acting before firefighters arrived, he positioned his mail truck beneath the balcony, climbed up, and helped guide the man to safety despite intense heat and heavy flames. His quick thinking and refusal to hesitate embodies the bravery and community spirit this award celebrates.

The Red Cross in Greater New York extends heartfelt thanks to its generous sponsors for making this event possible and for supporting lifesaving work across the region and beyond.

Dinner Sponsor: Morgan Stanley

Innovation Sponsors: Jill and John Coyle; Mastercard

Cocktail Reception Sponsor: Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

Humanity Sponsors: L’Oreal; Sony

Visionary Sponsors: Citi; JLL

Hometown Hero Sponsor: Hello Taiwan

Media Sponsor: ABC7

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.redcross.org/nygala

About the American Red Cross in Greater New York

Headquartered in New York City, the American Red Cross in Greater New York serves more than 12 million people in New York City; on Long Island; in Rockland and Westchester counties; at the US Military Academy at West Point and in Greenwich, Conn. We respond to approximately seven emergencies and disasters a day across the region—home fires, floods, building collapses—and more, providing shelter, food, clothing and emotional support at no cost to those in need. Learn more about the Red Cross mission at https://www.redcross.org/gny