Volunteers were front and center April 12th as the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region gathered to celebrate them at Rivercrest Golf Club and Preserve in Phoenixville, Chester County. Planned by a team of staff and volunteers, the event brought people together to enjoy lunch, take part in fun contests and celebrate award recipients recognized for outstanding volunteer accomplishments in fiscal year 2025. The celebration highlighted what makes the Red Cross possible every day—its incredible volunteers, who make up nearly 90% of the organization’s workforce.

To open the event, Regional CEO Jennifer Graham tied the National Volunteer Month celebration to another important Philadelphia celebration this year. 

"As Philadelphia marks its 250th anniversary, we’re reminded of this region’s long tradition of service, civic leadership and people stepping forward when it matters most," she said. "For 250 years, our communities have been defined by neighbors helping neighbors — and that spirit lives on in you,."

The American Red Cross has been part Philadelphia's legacy for 116 years.

"From disasters big and small, to blood drives, preparedness, support to military families and community activities of all kinds, generations of our volunteers have answered the call. Today, you carry that history forward — not just honoring it, but strengthening it," she said.

Congratulations to the following award recipients:

Exceptional Volunteer Award for Communications: Zain Ahmad

Exceptional Volunteer Award for Service to the Armed Forces & International Services: Diane Cikoski

Diane is the heart of the region's Service to the Armed Forces Hero Care Casework team. As the longest‑tenured member, she supports every new volunteer as both a trainer and trusted mentor. Her unmatched care and empathy for military families are reflected in a 100% client satisfaction score, with many clients mentioning her by name.

Exceptional Volunteer Award for Operations: Mary Noll

Mary Noll's dedication to the Red Cross has left a lasting impact. Over many years, she has served in countless roles across the region, state and country, earning a reputation for her deep knowledge, adaptability and reliability. Beyond her strong work ethic, Mary is loyal, creative, collaborative and always focused on the bigger picture. There is so much more that could be said about Mary, but one thing is clear: she is truly deserving of this recognition. Her tireless dedication to the Red Cross has made the Operations team stronger. 

Exceptional Volunteer Award for Financial Development & Volunteer Services: John Finnegan

John Finnegan has been a dedicated Red Cross volunteer since 2019, consistently going above and beyond his roles, including his current Volunteer Services position as Regional Engagement Lead. Working closely with service lines, departmental leads and divisional partners, John strengthens volunteer engagement, aligns efforts with the Red Cross mission and helps identify emerging trends to support retention and success. He has also served as a Financial Development volunteer for the past year and a half, through which he has personally thanked over 250 donors through calls, handwritten notes, regional thank‑a‑thons. 

Exceptional Biomedical Transport Volunteers: Dave and Paula Tansey

Since becoming Transportation Specialists in November 2024, Dave and Paula Tansey have shown exceptional dedication and reliability. Volunteering multiple times each week, the husband-wife duo handle a wide range of routes and pickups — often together — ensuring blood products are delivered safely and efficiently. Paula also serves as a Blood Donor Ambassador, while Dave coordinates pickups to maximize their shared impact. Their teamwork, flexibility and positive presence make them invaluable to our mission.

Exceptional Biomedical Volunteer in Bucks County: Carla Venditti

For over 20 years, Carla Venditti has been a cornerstone of the Red Cross in Bucks County, serving as a Blood Donor Ambassador and Scheduling Leader. With extraordinary dedication, she mentors volunteers, supports scheduling and Adopt‑a‑Drive efforts, and strengthens communication across sites. Carla’s leadership, technical insight and unwavering commitment continue to inspire everyone around her.

Exceptional Biomedical Volunteer in Chester County: Elizabeth Stewart

Elizabeth Stewart sets a welcoming tone at the West Chester Blood Donation Center, where she supports donors and staff alike. She assists with registration, monitors donor safety and steps in wherever needed. Since 2023, Liz has consistently gone above and beyond by covering extra shifts and mentoring new volunteers.

Exceptional Biomedical Volunteer in Delaware County: Paul Reusille

Since joining the Red Cross in 2021, Paul Reusille has contributed over 1,000 volunteer hours as a Blood Donor Ambassador. He brings compassion, humor and exceptional service to every donor interaction and is always willing to stay late or step in where needed. Paul’s reliability and positive attitude make him a valued and appreciated member of of the Biomedical team.

Exceptional Biomedical Volunteer in Montgomery County: Michael Freedman

Michael Freedman has been a dedicated volunteer since 2023, contributing an impressive 478 hours primarily at the Horsham Blood Donation Center. He consistently supports donors, staff and fellow volunteers with enthusiasm and care, often mentoring new volunteers and uplifting teams with his positivity. His commitment and compassion make him an invaluable part of the Red Cross mission.

Exceptional Biomedical Volunteer in Philadelphia: Brenda McLahan

Brenda McLahan has been a dedicated Blood Donor Ambassador since 2003, serving faithfully for 22 years. A welcoming presence at the Philadelphia Blood Donation Center every Wednesday, she delivers outstanding service with warmth, professionalism and reliability. Brenda’s consistency, positive attitude, leadership and unwavering committment make her a cherished member of the Biomedical team.

Exceptional Disaster Cycle Services Volunteer for Bucks County: Chris Robold 

Chris Robold has embraced the Regional Logistics Lead role with clarity and a can‑do attitude. He has also been a key leader in Bucks County’s Home Fire Campaign, supporting smoke‑alarm installations, Sound the Alarm events and improved supply processes. Through collaborative, ego‑free leadership, Chris has built a trusted volunteer team and strengthened daily operations and disaster response across Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Exceptional Disaster Cycle Services Volunteer for Chester County: Donna Zacker

Donna Zacker is an exceptional volunteer whose leadership strengthens the Southeastern Pennsylvania Region. As RC Care Application Lead and Regional Client Care Manager Volunteer Partner, she trains and supports responders, tracks progress and helps keep the workforce prepared. She supports disaster operations across services, provides valuable reporting and insights and continues serving as a Client Care Caseworker and Mass Care Shelter Resident Transition Lead—elevating readiness region‑wide.

Exceptional Disaster Cycle Services Volunteer for Delaware County: John Gebhardt

John Gebhardt previously received an exceptional volunteer award as a Blood Donor Ambassador, and his impact has grown since joining the Regional Preparedness Team in 2023. John has led preparedness programs that reached over 8,000 students, supported community trainings and mentored new volunteers. As Delaware County Home Fire Campaign Lead, he has guided more than 40 installations, helped install over 1,000 smoke alarms and led major Sound the Alarm efforts across the region.

Exceptional Disaster Cycle Services Volunteer for Montgomery County: Sean Snyder

Sean Snyder has made a significant impact as the Disaster Action Team (DAT) Training Coordinator by creating clear, welcoming and meaningful training for volunteers. Through his warm teaching style and thoughtful, accessible approach, he helps new volunteers master complex DAT processes with confidence before their first call. Sean’s focus on meeting volunteers where they are strengthens connections, improves retention and fosters a region‑wide culture of learning and support, making him an invaluable part of the Disaster Cycle Services team.

Exceptional Disaster Cycle Services Volunteer for Philadelphia: Irvin Diaz

If you need someone now, you call Irvin Diaz. A consistently dependable DAT responder, he quickly expanded into Mass Care and Logistics and proved there’s very little he can’t do. As a cross‑trained Strike Team member, Irvin is a versatile, natural leader who welcomes new volunteers, keeps teams engaged and always steps up. Irvin truly embodies dedication, reliability and the Red Cross mission.

Red Cross Spirit Award: Debbie Tevlin

Debbie Tevlin has dedicated over 13 years to theDisaster Action Team (DAT), Mass Care and Preparedness, making a lasting impact across Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA). This past year, she played a key role in the transition to the chapter model and created a mentorship approach that supports both new and experienced DAT responders.

Debbie also helped develop and now leads a Mass Care Strike Team, which is a rapid‑response team ready to open shelters and provide client care within four hours of an event. Debbie keeps responders connected through her weekly DAT Chat, a creative Sunday update that informs and engages the team. She is SEPA proud and is always advocating for the best ways to deliver compassionate client care.

Rising Star Award: Michael Long

Mike Long has been a Blood Transportation Specialist since last June. One of the team's Saturday shifts delivers blood to Jersey Shore hospitals – and as you can imagine, this means a lot of traffic on a summer Saturday. Mike took on this shift five times during the busiest summer months. The team often jokes with new volunteers about this route because you’re sitting in traffic both ways, but Mike’s response was simple: ‘The hospitals still need the blood." He continues to sign up for this Saturday shift even in the off months, and we’re all hoping he enjoys a much easier commute.

Helping Hand Award: Edward Elisio

Edward Elisio is a Blood Transportation Specialist who is always willing to share his expertise with new volunteers. Many new team members like to schedule a ride‑along with an experienced volunteer to see a full hospital delivery in action, especially with the rollout of the Red Cross Delivers app. Whenever someone asks, Ed is always ready to say yes – making him an invaluable mentor and a great support to the growing Biomedical Services team.

1,000+ Volunteer Hours

Twenty-three Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania volunteers logged 1,000 hours or more in fiscal year 2025, together contributing an astounding 37,749 hours of service. That's the equivalent of 18 years of full-time work! Congrats to the following volunteers: Kathleen Byrnes, Jayne Cabnet, Hal Cohen, Larry Daly, Joe Hughes, Mary Hughes, Cara Keiper, Fred Lehman, Gene Maxey, Randy Miller, Mary Noll, Karen Nielsen, Erica Paulson, Ed Robold, Charline Scott, Kenneth Soondar, Danelle Stoppel, Debbie Tevlin, Janice Thomas, Steve Thomas, Marty Westermann, Janice Winston and Donna Zacker.

Deployed Volunteers

Eighty-one Disaster Cycle Services volunteers were recognized for deploying in 2025. These volunteers make an extraordinary sacrifice — leaving their families, friends and routines for weeks at a time — to be there for people on their worst days. Their willingness to put others first, wherever and whenever it’s needed, is a powerful expression of compassion and truly embodies the Red Cross mission. Thank you to the following volunteers:

One Deployment: Marguerite Ambrose, Richard Barnett, Helen Berman, Wendy Boone, Sandra Capoferri, Justin Cohen, Jean DelFerro, William Dobnak, Harold Eder, Cathy Evans, George Fallon Jr, Mark French, Allison Gifford, Linda Glavin, Diane Grenz, Melinda Guarracino, Daphne Hanford, Evan Holland, Ashley Hulsey, Rony Joseph, Justin Krishnamurti, Lawrence Leitner, Cody Lewis, Sashi Mohanty, Roberta Musheno, Mindy Oppenheimer, Erica Paulson, Joel Realberg, Ruth Reber, Myrna Rivera, Robert Schmidt, Griffin Schrack, Danelle Stoppel, Bruce Swift, Stephen Thomas, John Timalonis, Regina Torian, Cheryl Wade, Debi Warrington, Kevin Wiley, Pual Williams, Janice Winston and David Wisch.

2-4 Deployments: Melanie Boerner, Kathleen Byrnes, Jayne Cabnet, Laurence Daly, Irvin Diaz, Stephanie Drabble, Michele Fisher, William Gausch, Dianne Heard, Joseph Hughes, Mary Hughes, Valerie Kania, Michael Kucenic, Roy Landes, Jennifer Lynch, Randy Miller, Katrina Mulherin, Michael Musheno, Karen Nielsen, Dinae Norris, Daniel O'Deens, Eileen Rall, Christopher Robold, Edward Robold, Linda Scheuermann, Charline Scott, Kenneth Soondar, Molly Soondar, Carol Sprang, Richard Strayves, Debbie Tevlin, Kwame Tyndale, Martin Westermann, Bob Zacker and Donna Zacker.

5+ Deployments: Hal Cohen (5), Fred Lehman (5) and Janice Thomas (9).

Recognition and Appreciation Committee

The Red Cross offers a special “thank you” to members of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Recognition and Appreciation Committee: Anne Arnold, Terri  Boylan, Lynn Cohen, Casey Deephouse, Romina Farazneh, Ellen Ginda, Mary Harper, Susan Kalkhuis-Beam, Tyrone Knight, Allison Mafodda and Mimi Yong. 

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- Written by Alana Mauger, Photos by Donn Greenberg