By: Shriya Raja

The Dallas-Fort Worth Volunteer Services Award Ceremony was one of the most marvelous events this summer! Taking place at the Rolling Hills Country Club in Arlington, the event was everything encompassing magnificence and more! Not only did this ceremony allow for all the American Red Crossers in attendance to reconnect, it also provided an opportunity for all our exemplary volunteers to be recognized for their time and dedication. These volunteers dedicated thousands of hours to helping those in need and they deserve to be recognized and celebrated!   

The ceremony began with a few inspirational words from Red Cross Interim Vice President of the Pacific Division Keith Rhodes. He talked about how the Red Cross and all its volunteers have been through an enormous journey together and how we will all continue to grow and help those in need around the world.  

“With eyes on the mission, we have sent our North Texas volunteers to support responses across the country and around the world,” Rhodes said. “The unified heart of our volunteers is the power that fuels our mission. No matter the difficulties and pain we experience in our communities and in our nation, our volunteers never underestimate the power of courage, hope, and kindness for their fellow human beings”.  

Ariane Einecker, Interim CEO for the Red Cross North Texas Region followed up Rhodes’ wonderful introduction with a few words from Ariane Einecker as well as recognition for those who have logged a significant number of hours volunteering.   

Volunteers were recognized from all five lines of service—Disaster Cycle Services, Training Services, Service to the Armed Forces, Youth services, and Biomedical Services. There was a plethora of volunteers in each division that demonstrated impeccable leadership and kindness towards their fellow volunteers and others around them. Even though every volunteer has made an impact on our communities, two were specially recognized at this ceremony. 

First introduced was Victoria Armstrong. Victoria is a kind-hearted woman who has dedicated a countless hours to volunteering with Disaster Cycle Services. She is from Rhome, Texas and has been a part of the American Red Cross since 2017. Armstrong first found her passion for philanthropy through her job as a nurse. Later, after Hurricane Harvey hit, she realized she wanted to help those affected by natural disasters.  

“Victoria’s compassion, commitment, and professionalism have significantly increased the engagement of our workforce in the region and continually shows our clients how important they are to the Red Cross,” said Master of Ceremonies and Regional Volunteer Services Officer, Stephanie Wallace-Parthasarathy.  

Armstrong’s amazing personality and her time spent volunteering for the Red Cross earned her the Volunteer of the Year Award! 

Next up was Richard Snow. Snow has been a part of the Red Cross and Disaster Cycle Services since 2017. He first came to the Red Cross through his wife. However, he found his own love for the organization along the way. Snow and his wife have helped numerous people in the Weatherford, Texas area, which is why he was awarded the Helping Hands Mentorship Award!  

Victoria and Richard are invaluable members of the Red Cross and the North Texas Region. They, and all the volunteers, deserve the special recognition they received for their many hours supporting the mission of the Red Cross and providing help and hope when people and communities need it most.