On Thursday, December 7, 2023, supporters and friends of the American Red Cross Northwest Washington Chapter gathered at Tulalip Resort and Casino to honor community heroes.

For the past 27 years, at the Red Cross annual Heroes Breakfast, the Northwest Washington Chapter of the American Red has honored individuals and groups for acts of immense bravery, dedication, and service to the community. Incredible heroes walk among us delivering kindness and making a difference every day. Their stories inspire and remind us to never doubt the impact an individual can make in the lives of others. This event raises critical funds to support local mission delivery of preparedness, response and recovery programs, and services to our community across the Northwest Washington Chapter.

The Northwest Washington Chapter of the American Red Cross serves communities throughout Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, Snohomish, and Island counties. The Red Cross offers volunteer opportunities across multiple lines of service, including disaster preparedness and response, services to the armed forces, blood collection, and more. The Red Cross also offers CPR classes, training, and certifications.

The honorees of the 2023 Red Cross Northwest Washington Chapter Heroes Breakfast are listed below:

Clare Waite Humanitarian Award: Randy Brasfield

Commander Brasfield started the MarysvilleNavy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) program in 1995 and has been creating opportunities for generations of students ever since to donate blood and commit to community service.   

Call to Action Award: Kevin Goldsberry & Andrew Butcher

Quick action and Narcan training by Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA) Expeditors, Andrew Butcher and Kevin Goldsberry, save a man’s life after finding him unconscious at Cordata Station.

Spirit of the Red Cross Award: Luanne Hoeller

After retiring from a 20-year career in the Navy, Luanne Hoeller of Friday Harbor found her calling at the Red Cross serving as the Regional Deployment Program Lead preparing volunteers to deploy to alleviate human suffering. 

Water Rescue Award: Luke Brannan & Matthew Dunn

Luke and Matt worked together to save a swimmer’s life by delivering CPR and AED assistance until the fire department arrived.   

Wilderness Rescue Award: Francis Zuber

Francis Zuber and Ian Steger became fast friends after Zuber rescued the lifelong snowboarder from a tree well in the backcountry of Mount Baker Ski Area in March. 

To learn more about the 2023 honorees and watch their stories, click through the videos below.