I am humbled by the extraordinary service our volunteers provide in our local community.
The American Red Cross hosted the annual Red Cross Ball at Pittsburgh’s Omni William Penn Hotel on Saturday, April 1, 2017. Over 300 people attended the event, which featured the presentation of this year’s Distinguished Leadership Award to PNC.
The Red Cross in Southwestern Pennsylvania is celebrating its centennial year in 2017 and marked the occasion by highlighting 100 years of service to our nation’s military, their families, and veterans.
“The Red Cross today still run on the principles set forth by our founder, Clara Barton, who was known as the Angel of the Battlefield for her service to our troops during the American Civil War,” commented Patricia Waldinger, American Red Cross Western Pennsylvania Region Chief Executive Officer. “It is for this reason that we are highlighting our Service to the Armed forces programs during this year’s event.”
Mark Kempic, Chief Transformation Officer for NiSource, parent company of Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, and American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Board Chairman added, “Clara’s dedication to help our military men and women and her commitment to assist those who have been impacted by disasters big and small can be seen each day on the faces of the over 3,000 people we assist yearly throughout Western Pennsylvania following home fires, floods, and other emergencies. From direct assistance for individuals following these types of disaster situations, to preparedness education, blood collections, and the services provided to our military, people can always count on the American Red Cross. I am humbled by the extraordinary service our volunteers provide in our local community.”
Silent and live auctions, a cocktail reception, dinner, and dancing made for an unforgettable evening. A special historical display featuring military items graciously provided by Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc., complemented the event’s theme.
The night also featured the presentation of this year’s Distinguished Leadership Award to PNC.
Waldinger added, “PNC has a long history, spanning over a quarter century, of supporting the American Red Cross. They have provided funding to assist with disaster relief services for various catastrophes including Super Storm Sandy and Hurricane Matthew. In addition, they have a strong legacy of providing funding to support local programming to assist with outreach and services such as the Nurse Assistant Training Program and Leadership Development Centers.”
Money raised from this year’s Red Cross Ball will be used to support the preparedness programs and services offered by the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program as part of the Prepare Western PA Initiative. The Red Cross is extremely grateful to all the volunteers and donors who support our mission each and every day.