By: Kay Bennett
Wednesday evening the Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania region held its annual Celebration of Volunteers, recognizing the most outstanding Red Cross volunteers of the previous fiscal year. Usually an in-person event, this year’s celebration went virtual, allowing the chapter leaders to celebrate its volunteers safely.
With a welcome from Regional CEO Guy J. Triano, 6abc’s Alicia Vitarelli helped kick off the festivities, expressing appreciation for the Red Cross volunteers. She noted how they are always available to answer the call for help, not skipping a beat even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vitarelli had the honor of presenting the first award of the night, which is also a brand new award, the Red Cross Spirit Award. Volunteer Deb Lozano received the honor, which epitomizes the fives values of the Red Cross.
Pictured left: 6abc anchor, Alicia Vitarelli helped kick off the virtual event.
Pictured above: Deb Lozano holds her prize as the recipient of the Spirit Award.
Congratulations to the following winners:
Department Awards:
- Volunteer Services – Beth Yurkanin
- Service to the Armed Forces – Mary Harper
- Red Cross House – Brian Jones
- Communications – Marta Rusek
Biomedical Awards:
- Bucks County – Dave Baker
- Chester County – Jane Foster
- Delaware County – Pradip Desai
- Montgomery County – Jack Nickels
- Philadelphia County – Robert Carr
- Musser Blood Center – Tracey Howard
Disaster Cycle Services Awards:
- Bucks County – Robin Stoute
- Montgomery County – Will Dobnak
- Chester County – Elizabeth Stinson
- Delaware County – Frederick Lehman
- Philadelphia County – Susan Poulton
Board member, John Susanin, presented the volunteer hours awards to the three people who had logged the most volunteer hours the previous fiscal year. Red Cross House and DAT team member, Lamont Twyne logged the third-highest number of hours with 1,904. John Klitsch came in second place with 2,056 service hours. Mr. Susanin noted that John had an impressive 13 disaster titles under his belt. Heidi Dampman came in first place logging an amazing 2,843 hours. Dampman was described as an essential member of her team, being known for many lines of service.
Triano brought the celebration to a close recognizing some of the Red Cross’ longest-serving volunteers. Walter D’Alessio, Diane Foose, and Shirley Warner were praised for their 25 years of service. Vicki Schempp was especially recognized for her amazing 46 years of service as a Blood Donor Ambassador. He took a moment to acknowledge the volunteers working virtually and those who have been unable to serve due to COVID-19. He assured them all that when the pandemic is behind us, the Red Cross will still be here for them. Triano thanked the region’s volunteers, describing them as the “backbone of what we do.”
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