RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS HONORED FOR 

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN ROCHESTER
Annual Recognition Awards Volunteers for Bettering Community & Beyond

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Monday, October 5, 2009 – Hundreds of American Red Cross volunteers will be recognized tomorrow night, Tuesday, October 6 for their dedication and for making a difference in our community. The Annual Red Cross Volunteer Appreciation & Recognition Event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Auditorium Center, Cathedral Hall, 885 E Main St.

“We are One Red Cross to this community,” said Sheryl Karch, Director of Volunteer Development, Youth & Community Outreach at the Greater Rochester Red Cross. “Whether our volunteers help a family after a fire, teach someone to save a life, mentor a teen, provide financial help with a heating bill or provide blood to someone in need – we are all part of  one American Red Cross. “Volunteers are a part of our decision making, our service delivery and our program evaluation process, and help make all of our work happen. We’re honored to recognize them for all that they make the Greater Rochester Red Cross and for their unwavering support of the Rochester community.”
 
The following volunteers will be awarded with the following citations:

Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service:
Christine Steerman, Disaster Mental Health Counselor, Canandaigua resident
Lee Cookingham, – Disaster Physical Health, Ontario resident
Judy Harbison, Co-Chair of Blood Donor Volunteer Program, Rochester resident
Rachel Platt, Co-Chair of Blood Drive Volunteer Program, Pittsford resident
Keith St. John, Safety Training, Brighton resident
Sebele Sibhat, Mentor & Community Outreach presenter, Rochester resident

Greater Rochester Chapter Good Neighbor Award:
Veterans’ Outreach Center, Thomas Cray, President and CEO, Rochester

New York State Good Neighbor Award:
Dunkin’ Donuts Upstate Franchise Owners, Eric Stensland, Field Marketing Manager, Syracuse

Certificate of Appreciation:
Khamkay (Kai) Chitaphong, Leadership & vision in creation of the Help Base Greater Rochester website, VA Medical Center, Canandaigua

Partnership Award:
Beth Thomas, Educator, Canandaigua resident & the Victor High School Leadership Class, Victor 
 
Outstanding Internship Award:
Walter Casper, St. John Fisher College student

Red Cross Years of Service:

45 Years:
Bruce B. Bates, Honorary Life Board Member and former Chapter Chair, Brighton resident

35 Years:
Randy DeFrank, Board Advisory Council Member, Rochester resident
Katherine F. Georger, Long-term Blood Drive Volunteer, Fairport resident
Bud Rusitzky, Honorary Life Board Member & former Chapter Chair, Brighton resident

30 Years:
Don Adair, Honorary Life Board Member & former Chapter Chair, Pittsford, resident
Carol H. Laniak, Long-term Blood Drive Volunteer, Rush resident
Jacqueline R. Udicious, Long-term Blood Drive Volunteer, Rush resident

2009 Years-of-Service Pin Recipients
208 – 1 year volunteers
146 – 5 year volunteers
20 – 10 year volunteers
12 – 15 year volunteers
7 – 20 year volunteers
2 – 25 year volunteers

Red Cross volunteers live the brand everyday in the following ways:
 Mission-focused – all Red Cross employees and volunteers believe in our mission – “we provide relief to victims of disasters and help all people prevent, prepare for and respond to personal, community, and other emergencies.”

 For All People – we help anyone who needs our services.

 Responsive to Your Disaster – volunteers and employees comfort you in times of your personal emergency.

 Trusted Provider of Vital Training – when people hear the words “Red Cross training” – they know it stands for quality and that the training will prepare them to save a life.

 Vital Community Partner – we collaborate with other organizations, businesses and community groups to get Red Cross services to those in need.

 We strive to be Exceptional Stewards of the public’s contributions – the American people trust us to use their donations to provide vital services.

Join us tomorrow night, as we recognize the efforts of volunteers and friends of the Red Cross from Rochester and the surrounding suburbs. The people being recognized are living examples of how the combined efforts of Red Cross volunteers and friends make a difference every day.

For more information and to interview the award recipients contact Nadine Krimow, Communications Manager, Greater Rochester Red Cross at (585) 370-1834.

About the Greater Rochester Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.RochesterRedCross.org or contact us at 585-241-4400.