In October, Red Cross volunteers and partnering organizations were honored at the Annual Red Cross Volunteer Appreciation & Recognition Event for their dedication to making a difference in the Rochester community.
“Volunteers are the backbone of the American Red Cross,” stated Sheryl Karch, Director of Volunteer Development, and Youth & Community Outreach at the Greater Rochester Red Cross. “All Red Cross employees and volunteers are mission-focused– we provide relief to victims of disasters and help all people prevent, prepare for and respond to personal, community, and other emergencies. We take great pride in honoring these guests, who shape our organization daily.”

The following volunteers were awarded with the following citations:
Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service:
Tim J. Brown, Rochester
Jim E. Connorton, Pittsford
Judy T. Dunn, Henrietta
James A. Haefner, Fairport
Ralph R. Hill, Webster
Robert Meyer, Holley
Gregory A. Thomas, Brighton
Harry J. Wyant, Walworth
Rosemary Villarubia-Izzo, Rochester

The Greater Rochester Chapter Good Neighbor Award recognizes community organizations and businesses that make a significant humanitarian contribution to the local community. Recipients were:
Slater’s Raiders for Peace - Lenzy Blake, & Willie Robinson, Executive Director
Rochester Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Theta Alpha Zeta Chapter - Carla Facey-Basileus, President
Hispanic Heritage Month Blood Drive, Bible Baptist Temple - Reverand Jose Rodriguez
Promotores de Salud, Ibero & the American Action League - Maribel Torres
Juan & Maria’s Empanada Stop - Juan & Marie Contreras, East Rochester
Al Burgos Tax Services - Al Burgos, Rochester

Haiti Fundraising Certificate was given to Marie Philippe, Corporate Vice President of Cultural & Organizational Development at Excellus Blue Cross/Blue Shield, for her efforts to raise corporate dollars for Haiti victims and for bringing members of the Haitian community together to form H.A.T. (Haitians Advancing Together.) – Rochester

Partnership Award:
Bristol Harbor Resort, Canandaigua

The Red Cross Extraordinary Person Action Award was given to Tim Brown, who used his Red Cross CPR training recently to save the life of a student volunteer on her lunch break who started choking and become unconscious. - Rochester

The Jane Fairchild Freund Award, which recognizes a Board member who has helped the Chapter carry out its’ mission, was given to Bud Ruzitsky, for his 36 years of commitment and support to the Greater Rochester Red Cross - Rochester

55 Years of Service
Alva Marticelli, prior volunteer safety instructor & current Disaster Volunteer Nurse & per diem CPR instructor, Pittsford

40 Years
Gene Dale DeLorm, Fairport

35 Years:
David F. Dieter, Victor
Scott Fake, Brockport

30 Years:
Keith W. Baker, West Henrietta
Rita M. Keating, Palmyra
Claudia P. Sheridan, Gates