The local Red Cross chapter is preparing for its annual
recognition dinner, which will feature awards for volunteers and
keynote speaker Pauline Valdivia.
The local Red Cross chapter is preparing for its annual recognition dinner, which will feature awards for volunteers and keynote speaker Pauline Valdivia.
Reservations must be made by March 5 for the March 8 dinner at Paine’s Restaurant, where awards will be presented to disaster volunteers, blood service volunteers, a youth volunteer and safety instructors.
The San Benito County Chapter of the American Red Cross puts on the dinner each year as a “state of the chapter,” which is required by the national organization.
“It’s important for the community to come out and support it,” said Katheryn Engelhard, executive director of the local chapter. “Red Cross isn’t just a staff or a few volunteers. This is the whole community’s Red Cross. And that’s why it’s open to the community.”
For the first time, the chapter will recognize an active youth volunteer with an award named after Chris Torres, a volunteer who was killed about two years ago.
“We want to keep his memory alive,” Engelhard said.
She said Valdivia was chosen as the keynote speaker because of her wide-ranging community involvement.
“I wanted somebody… who could give a shot in the arm about how important it is to be involved in the community,” Engelhard said.
The dinner is also a chance for members and volunteers to meet the board of directors and for the chapter to introduce new board members. American Red Cross President Marty Evans will give a taped message to the group, Engelhard said.
The chapter will also introduce a new campaign – “Together We Prepare” – themed around the current domestic tensions involving war and terrorism.
“Our goal is to get everyone to build a kit, make a plan, donate blood and get trained,” Engelhard said.
Cost for the dinner is $15. RSVP to the local Red Cross office at 636-2100 during business hours.
