Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 2, 2023) — The American Red Cross of Utah will honor 19 local volunteers at the annual Volunteer Recognition Event ceremony this Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Salt Lake City headquarters of PDQ, located at 2200 S. Main St., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. These dedicated Utahns, along with more than 1,300 others statewide, are being acknowledged for their dedication to supporting communities in need.
The honorees are being recognized for their contributions to a range of crucial Red Cross initiatives, which include nationwide disaster relief, flood and local home fire responses, disaster preparedness training, support for military families, assistance in reuniting families separated by war or natural disasters, and participation in lifesaving blood collection efforts.
In just the past year, Utah's Red Cross volunteers have collectively donated over 60,000 hours of service. “Our volunteers are trained and devoted to helping not only their neighbors but also those far beyond our state borders,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “The Red Cross could not fulfill its mission without their tireless work and generosity.”
The Clara Barton Award, one of the Red Cross's highest honors, will be presented to Kathy Statler of Riverdale during Saturday’s event. Named after the founder of the American Red Cross, this award celebrates meritorious service in volunteer leadership positions.
“Kathy's selfless dedication is a significant reason we can achieve our goal of ensuring no one faces a disaster alone,” Ruster said. “Utah can take pride in her and all its dedicated volunteers who truly form the heart of the American Red Cross.”
Saturday’s awardees include:
Kathy Statler Clara Barton Award
Bryan Coxe Biomedical Achievement Award
Ora Miller Biomedical Achievement Award
Robert Miller Biomedical Achievement Award
Morgan Begin Board Member Recognition Award
Liz Frome Board Member Recognition Award
William Jacks Business Operations Volunteer Award
Jolene Treloar Communications Volunteer Award
Katharine Wyatt Development Volunteer Award
David Kenison Disaster Preparedness Volunteer Award
Tina Spencer Disaster Response Volunteer Award
Olivia Salisbury Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award
Steven Bergstrom Rising Star Volunteer Award
Bob Boyles Rising Star Volunteer Award
Darlene Spencer Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer Award
Kristina Puffer Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service
Wendie Sorensen Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service
Bonnie Kenison Volunteer Leadership Award
Tania Rodriguez Volunteer Leadership Award
Bonnie Kenison Volunteer Services Volunteer Award
David Kenison Volunteer Services Volunteer Award
Join the Red Cross of Utah volunteers
Red Cross of Utah volunteers play a role in every aspect of the organization’s work. From supporting families affected by fires and floods and providing preparedness classes to connecting military families with urgent resources and supplying lifesaving blood to hospital patients, they make a difference. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn how you can make a difference, especially when disasters strike here in Utah, across the country and around the world.
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.