Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 10, 2022) — The American Red Cross of Utah will honor 16 local volunteers at the annual Volunteer Recognition Event ceremony, Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Clubhouse on South Temple from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. These dedicated individuals, and more than 1,100 others statewide, are being acknowledged for their dedication to supporting communities in need.
The honorees will be recognized for their commitment to various critical Red Cross efforts, including: nationwide disaster relief, responding to flooding and local home fires, preparing residents for the unexpected, supporting military families, helping reconnect families separated by war and natural disasters, and collecting lifesaving blood.
Over the last year, Utah Red Crossers have donated more than 48,000 hours of service. “Our volunteers are trained and dedicated to helping their neighbors and beyond,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Without their hard work and generosity, the Red Cross would not be able to deliver its mission.”
At Saturday’s event, the highest recognition, The Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership, will be presented to Kirsten Stuart of Ogden. The award is named after the American Red Cross founder and honors continued service in volunteer leadership roles.
“Kirsten’s selfless dedication is why we are able to accomplish our goal of making sure no one goes through a disaster alone,” Ruster said. “Utah can be proud of her and all its dedicated volunteers who are the heart of the American Red Cross.”
Saturday’s awardees include:
Kirsten Stuart Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership
Robyn Schneider Rising Star Volunteer Award
Jolene Shimada Biomedical Achievement Award
Zane Jones Business Operations Volunteer Award
Sarah Huizingh Board Member Recognition Award
Laurie Engel Communications Volunteer Award
Olivia Slane Development Volunteer Award
William Harrison Disaster Response Volunteer Award
Tushita Sinha Outstanding Red Cross Club Member of the Year Award
Eric Pease Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer Award
Freddy Downey Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer Award
Katherine Dodwell Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer Award
Neil Thomas Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer Award
Tawsha Martinez Volunteer Services Volunteer Award
Kathy Statler Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service
Doug Thompson Volunteer Leadership Award
“Every day I am grateful for the dedicated volunteers who are the heart of the American Red Cross,” Ruster said. “The need remains great, and I encourage others in our community to join our effort.”
Learn how to become a Red Cross volunteer
The need for volunteers has never been greater as we experience larger and more intense disasters across the country. Please consider becoming a Red Cross volunteer to help families in need. We provide the training. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.