Seattle, Washington – Continuing its long-serving tradition of honoring remarkable individuals who have made a lasting impact on their communities, the American Red Cross Northwest Region recently held its annual Heroes Breakfast event in Seattle on March 23, 2023.
This year, the Heroes Breakfast, held at Hilton Seattle, recognized the exceptional acts of courage, compassion and kindness of 5 extraordinary individuals who carried out the mission of the American Red Cross in action. From one of the last frontiers of the American West to the heart of Washington state, Wenatchee – this year’s Heroes came from the farthest corners of the Northwest Region.
A testament to the power of community coming together to support the heroes among us, the Heroes Breakfast also served as a fundraising initiative to support the crucial mission of the American Red Cross. This year's event raised more than $245,000, which will be used to enable disaster-preparedness, response and recovery programs for the Red Cross.
Among the honorees at this year’s event were, Officer Jacob Schrader, a Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife police officer. His hands-on CPR and extensive medical training helped him save four lives in one year, including an infant. His exemplary acts of courage were rewarded with the Spirit of the Red Cross Award.
Other honorees included Dominic Lucarelli, a young instructor & lifeguard at Strattonwood Swim Club in Redmond. Dominic performed life-saving CPR on a toddler, saving that toddler from drowning, and winning him the Water Rescue Award. Another hero whose timely execution of Red Cross first-aid & CPR training prepared her to act when she saw a cyclist in a road accident was Olga Camarena, who won the Call to Action Award. The CPR Rescue Award was won by Dustin Roads & Lilly Thorng, a group of Boeing employees who administered CPR on a teammate, found in an unresponsive state.
The Courage in Action Award was awarded to Logan Schneider, who not only saved his own life after a helicopter crashed on his farm in Wenatchee, but also valiantly stepped up, risking his life to help bring the pilot from the burning wreckage to safety.
Each of the honorees at the Heroes Breakfast had a unique story, but they all shared the common connection of selfless service to people in their community – enabling them to make a tangible impact in the lives of those around them.
The Heroes Breakfast event was attended by Red Cross Northwest Region leadership and Board of Directors, members of staff and volunteers, along with generous donors, patrons, and sponsors. It was emceed by Kristin Goodwillie of KING 5 NEWS. Sponsors of the event included Amazon, Costco, Alaska Airlines, Puget Sound Energy, Hudson Pacific Properties, MultiCare Health System, Tata Consultancy Services, Otorowski Morrow and Golden, PLLC.
As the American Red Cross Northwest Region continues to work relentlessly to meet the needs of individuals and communities across the region, events like the Heroes Breakfast remind us of the importance of compassion, dedication, and service to others.
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.