STATE COLLEGE – On May 21, the American Red Cross Spirit of the Heroes event will recognize those in the community who have shown courage, dedication and character through extraordinary acts of heroism and kindness. The celebration will be held from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Celebration Hall, 2280 Commercial Blvd., State College.
The American Red Cross serving Centre, Cumberland, Juniata, Mifflin and Perry counties is seeking nominations for the Spirit of the Heroes Awards in the following categories:
- Adult Good Samaritan: Presented to an ordinary citizen above the age of 21, for an extraordinary act of heroism or courage.
- Youth Good Samaritan: Presented to an ordinary citizen under the age of 21, for an extraordinary act of heroism or courage.
- Military: Presented to a member of the armed forces (active or retired, commissioned or non-commissioned) whose lifesaving action went above and beyond the call of duty. Heroic actions could have taken place elsewhere—this award may be awarded posthumously.
- Firefighter: Presented to a professional or volunteer firefighter or emergency dispatch operator whose lifesaving action went above and beyond the call of duty.
- Law Enforcement: Presented to a law enforcement agent whose lifesaving actions went above and beyond the call of duty.
- International Service: Presented to an individual, group or company in recognition of their commitment to humanitarian efforts in other parts of the world.
- Animal Rescue: Presented to an animal that saved the life of a human, an ordinary citizen who used lifesaving skills to save the life of an animal(s), or to a professional involved in the care of animals.
- Aquatics: Presented to a lifeguard or ordinary citizen whose lifesaving action was able to prevent a serious water-related injury or drowning.
- Medical Professional: Presented to a doctor, nurse or EMT whose lifesaving actions went above and beyond the call of duty.
- Community Impact: Presented to a community group, neighborhood organization or local company that consistently demonstrates a commitment to making.
Nominees must live or work in Centre, Mifflin or Juniata counties, or the heroic act may have taken place within these counties. The heroic act may have occurred outside of the area as long as the hero is an area resident.
The heroic act must have occurred between Feb. 1, 2014 and Feb. 1, 2015 to be eligible for an award at the May event.
To nominate a Hero, please complete the nomination form. Forms may also be obtained by e-mailing laura.gilham@redcross.org or calling 814-237-3162. Nominations are due by March 9.
The Red Cross Spirit of the Heroes event was established to raise public awareness of local heroes whose actions support the mission of the Red Cross. It is a chance to honor those who make a simple, yet powerful decision to put their personal needs aside in order to help others. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
If your business or foundation would like to find out more, please contact Stephanie Fost at stephanie.fost@redcross.org or 814-237-3162, Ext. 1627.
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization led by volunteers that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from caring individuals and, in part, by contributions given through the United Way.