2025 Heroes Luncheon
Thank You for Your Support
The American Red Cross Mid-West Tennessee Chapter is pleased to announce its annual Heroes Luncheon raised over $65,000 to support the organization’s mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering. The luncheon took place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Union University Carl Grant Events Center and was attended by more than 300 individuals.
Returning as the event Master of Ceremonies, Steve Bowers highlighted the impact the Red Cross has had across the 14 counties that make up the chapter’s footprint.
Three honorees were recognized during the event for their commitment to the Red Cross and to supporting their community.
Larry Jarnagin was given the Uniformed Hero of the Year Award. Jarnagin’s selflessness in supporting those around him are truly an inspiration. In addition to his full-time career, Jarnagin can found supporting the community as a volunteer firefighter and as a Red Cross disaster responder.
The Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Pamela Shumate. With around 10 years of volunteer service to the Red Cross, Shumate credits her late husband for encouraging her involvement with the organization. She is proud to have passed her heart for service on to their children who also serve as active Red Cross Volunteers.
The final award, the Humanitarian of the Year, was given to Harold Nance, Executive Director of Jonah Affordable Housing. Nance’s dedicated service through multiple local community organizations has provided services to countless individuals throughout West Tennessee. When asked about his inspiration to the community service, Nance said he tries to, “Give without expectations,” and quoted his former pastor stating, “I’ll never let anyone be better to me than I am to them.”
To find out more information about volunteering locally with the Red Cross, contact Leanna Hatchett at leanna.hatchett@redcross.org.
The 2024 Heroes Luncheon was held May 1, 2024 and raised $56,505 to support the organization’s mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering. This event is one of the largest celebrations for the chapter and serves as a time to recognize our local heroes who make a difference in the community every day.
Marge Rafalowski was recognized as Volunteer of the Year, Lanny Culver was honored as Uniformed Hero of the Year and Karen Utley received the Distinguished Service Award. Steve Bowers hosted a panel highlighting the importance of organizations working in collaboration to both achieve their individual goals and make our community a better place.
