Red Cross Pays Tribute to Carbon County Volunteers at Recognition Luncheon

Red Cross Pays Tribute to Carbon County Volunteers at Recognition Luncheon

News Release: June 23, 2009
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing; American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley (610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771

BETHLEHEM, Pa., (June 23, 2009) - The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley honored its Carbon County volunteers at a Volunteer Appreciation and Recognition Luncheon today at Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

"Thank you for all you do for the people of Carbon County," said Executive Director John Hughes at the luncheon. "Your hard work and dedication to the Red Cross make this organization so special. We couldn't do what we do without you."

Chairman George Hlavac added his appreciation and called on everyone to help fill the need for more "foot soldiers to do our work."

COO Robert Duld began the luncheon with a moment of silence in memory of long-time Red Cross volunteers Alma Zern of Lehighton and Bill Perbetsky of Nesquehoning who passed away earlier this year.

Connie Herman of Jim Thorpe received this year's Extraordinary Volunteer Award. As a Red Cross volunteer for 10 years, Connie has given her time as acting coordinator, appointment manager and escort at Jim Thorpe community blood drives.

The following volunteers were acknowledged for their years of volunteer service: Elaine Gilham, Connie Herman, Violet Hunsicker and Harriet Von York (10 years); Kathleen Ruch (15 years); and Mary Meier (20 years).

"We are very appreciative toward our volunteers, especially with all of the time and effort they offer to help deliver Red Cross services," said Duld. "We sincerely thank our volunteers for their exceptional work, because without them, we would not be able to help those who need us. From disaster response to health and safety classes to lifesaving blood drives, Red Cross volunteers and our local partners make Carbon County a safer community."

Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to:

Lehighton High School Red Cross Club for their support as a Red Cross Hero, hosting blood drives and assisting with data entry;
Mauch Chunk Trust Company for providing canteen supplies at Nesquehoning blood drives;
CONCERN Treatment Unit for Boys for their continued support in setting up equipment and supplies in preparation for Red Cross blood drives; and
Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for hosting the event.

In addition, Duld announced that Jim Thorpe Market owner Frank Pasdon will receive the Red Cross Good Neighbor Award at the June 25 Red Cross Awards Celebration and Annual Meeting being held in Allentown. The Good Neighbor Award is presented to local businesses or agencies that have provided significant, ongoing support to the Red Cross for a number of years.

Administrative assistant Monique Haney sang a medley of songs, including Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings" which she dedicated to the volunteers.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves nearly 690,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 24,000 greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.