CONCORD, NH – The New Hampshire and Vermont Region of the American Red Cross and Unitil are once again honoring heroes in New Hampshire by celebrating “everyday people” and the heroic things they do in our community. The Everyday Heroes Awards are celebrated all over the country at which the American Red Cross honors people who personify our mission of service and help in local communities. To celebrate 100 Years of Service in New Hampshire, the American Red Cross will honor local heroes at the 2017 Everyday Heroes Awards on March 1, 2017.
Everyday heroes are all around us – the good Samaritan who intervenes when someone is in an accident, or the watchful neighbor seeing a need in a community. These awards shine light on selflessness of heart and heroism of character.
Maria Devlin, CEO for the American Red Cross in New Hampshire and Vermont said, “People who make it their business to serve others in their community are the embodiment of the Red Cross Mission. We want to honor people who serve as examples for the rest of us. They truly are heroes.”
The 2017 Everyday Heroes Award winners to be honored on March 1st are as follows:
Dylan Cummings, Nashua Dylan saw a shuttle van crash outside the dealership where he works. He ran to the van to find the driver unresponsive. He helped the passenger out of the van, yelled for his coworkers to help him remove the driver who was suffering from cardiac arrest. He called for someone to bring an AED device as he began CPR on the driver. When more help arrived, Dylan took control of the scene clearing debris so first responders could access the scene.
The Tremblay Family, Manchester (pictured above)
Erin and Derek Tremblay were awaiting the birth of their second child when doctors instructed Erin to report to the hospital due to a concern about her blood. Erin delivered a healthy baby girl but complications that followed necessitated her being moved to intensive care at a Boston hospital. She spent 10 days in the ICU during which time she received 50 units of blood to stabilize her. Now blood donor advocates, the Tremblays not only give blood and host blood drives, but they also share their story to motivate and inspire others to do the same.
Bev McKinley, Enfield
Recognizing that the large number of homeless residents in the Upper Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire were often overlooked, Bev McKinley founded the Silent Warriors in 2013 as a grassroots effort to address homelessness. Initially, Bev was able to provide 100 sleeping bags and 20 tents, but now, thanks to the financial support of donors, she has container storage and collects and distributes sleeping bags, tents, and personal hygiene items and kits that government programs don’t provide, giving the recipients self-esteem and hope.
Melissa Lee,Franklin
Melissa Lee serves as the coordinator of “Senior Safety Day,” a partnership between LRGHealthcare and 14 fire departments in the Lakes region in New Hampshire. Melissa facilitates the procurement of the smoke alarms, batteries, and other safety devices and recruits local fire department staff and volunteers to install these devices in area homes. Melissa’s work and leadership reduces the risk of injuries and gives residents peace of mind in knowing how to live more safely in their homes.
Girl Scout Troop 20001, Auburn
The girls of Girl Scout Troop 20001 saw a need, and did something about it. The troop wanted to find a way for every kid, including those who are too shy to speak up, to find a friend, so they purchased and installed a buddy bench. But soon after its installation, the bench was defaced and had to be removed. When word got out, a local citizen started a GoFundMe page on their behalf. They have surpassed their goal, and soon a new bench will be installed with the hope that no kid will be lonely on the playground.
Presenting sponsor Unitil will receive the American Red Cross Corporate Hero Award for their continued support of Everyday Heroes in New Hampshire.
Unitil – American Red Cross Corporate Hero Award – Unitil’s commitment to stronger, safer communities aligns with the Mission of the American Red Cross. For the past few years, Unitil has proudly partnered with American Red Cross regions in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. In addition to hosting Red Cross blood drives and partnering with the Red Cross during major events to help reach the affected public with preparedness, safety, and restoration information, Unitil serves as a prominent sponsor of the Everyday Heroes events in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. By working together, Unitil and the American Red Cross can better serve the people who depend on them when emergencies arise.
The 2017 Everyday Heroes Awards will be presented on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at the Grappone Conference Center at 70 Constitution Ave., Concord, NH from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Ticket Price: Single ticket for $25, or a grouping of 8 tickets for $175.
Includes: admittance to the event, hors d’oeuvres, and dessert.
Purchase tickets here: https://www.gofundme.com/replace-avs-buddy-bench
Click here for more information on sponsoring or attending this heartwarming event. Questions can be directed to Shannon at Shannon.meaney@redcross.org or at 603-225-6697 ext. 212.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at blog.redcross.org.
