'I Really Thought This Could Not Be Real. I Had No Roof and No Walls … My Home Was Gone.'

'I Really Thought This Could Not Be Real. I Had No Roof and No Walls … My Home Was Gone.'

News Release: July 11, 2011
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 Fire Victim Shares Her Story,
Thanks Donors and Volunteers at Red Cross Awards Celebration and Annual Meeting

Awards Presented to 9 Local Individuals, Corporations, Agencies
As Karina Gonzalez stood on her Bethlehem property, she couldn't believe the nightmare she was living. "I really thought this cannot be real. I cannot be looking through my house. I had no roof and no walls. My home was gone," Gonzalez said, her voice cracking.

"But you … you gave me peace and I appreciate that. Everything you do directly affects the lives of people who are in great need," she told the audience of 100 Red Cross donors, volunteers, key community leaders and staff at the chapter's Awards Celebration and Annual Meeting on June 27 at SteelStacks.

Gonzalez detailed the tragedy of losing her home and possessions in a fire almost one year to the day. A client manager at Highmark Blue Shield, Gonzalez was in Washington, D.C., celebrating a friend's birthday over a long weekend when she received a call from the Bethlehem Police Department stating there was a fire at her home. "I asked the police officer how bad the fire was. All he could tell me was that there was significant damage and he needed to know how soon I could be home.

"In your head, you think 'significant damage.' Well, my living room could be significant. My front door could be significant. Anything is significant when it's in terms of what you call home," she continued.

Gonzalez's home was burned to the foundation. She was later told that the fire began at 3 a.m. and went undetected until 7 a.m. when someone driving by saw black smoke in the woods and called the police. One of Gonzalez's closest friends called the Red Cross to meet Gonzalez at her property. "My first reaction was that I was going to be OK. There is someone with a greater need than mine who can use the Red Cross I told my friend.

"When the Red Cross arrives, the first feeling that you get is compassion, a sense of understanding and that immediate help. As I sat there in the Red Cross vehicle, my observations were how well you were organized, how smoothly things ran and how little burden - no, no burden - you placed on me. You took it away.

"I remember Al [Ellis] telling me about the hotel arrangements he made for me. He said, 'Here's what you are going to do: You are going to this hotel. You will give them your name. They will have a room ready for you. I have already called them and they are expecting you.'

"I cannot tell you what that means to someone like me who couldn't believe the nightmare that I was living," said Gonzalez. "The other volunteer [Jeanette Agosto] gave me a debit card and explained how to use it to purchase clothes and food. And, I got a toothbrush. A toothbrush! You don't think of that kind of stuff."

Gonzalez thanked Ellis, the Red Cross and those in attendance, saying: "If you only knew the lives you have touched behind the scenes. For future donors, please know that when you are watching TV and see the news about a fire or other disaster and wonder what you can do to help, this is it. Give to the Red Cross."

Gonzalez's testimonial punctuated the purpose of the event: to thank and honor those corporations, organizations and individuals who have supported the Red Cross. Awards were presented to the following individuals and organizations:

The Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership, which recognizes meritorious service in volunteer leadership positions held over a period of years, was presented to board member Robin Wolak of Bethlehem.
The Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service, which honors a volunteer whose performance over a period of several years, has substantially exceeded the volunteer's original commitment to the American Red Cross, as presented to disaster services volunteer Alan Ellis of Barto.
Other awards included: The Good Neighbor Award, given to local businesses, corporations and agencies that have provided significant, ongoing support to the Red Cross. This year's recipients were: Klunk & Millan Advertising; KNBT, a division of National Penn Bank; Nacci Printing, Inc.; and Tallman, Hudders and Sorrentino.
Receiving The Exceptional Partnership Award in recognition of the outstanding partnership with the American Red Cross were the Kirkland Knitters and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Allentown area.
The Employee Excellence Award was presented to Ana Vega of Bethlehem.

During the business meeting, outgoing Chairman Joe Lennert spoke of the work of the Red Cross down the street, across the country and around the world. He mentioned the Feb. 2011 Allentown gas explosion, the 42 relief operations in 29 states this spring and the Japan earthquake and Pacific tsunami. Lennert also highlighted the consolidation of many support services and back-office functions, chapter regionalization and investment in areas where the agency can grow more revenue such as its training courses and fundraising capability.

Incoming board chair Bill Coles cited Lennert's outstanding leadership and guidance though a very tough economy, his understanding of the challenges in fundraising and dedication and support of the agency. Coles and Hughes presented a framed Red Cross print to Lennert in appreciation for his two years as board chair.

Karina Gonzalez of Bethlehem reunites with Red Cross disaster volunteer Al Ellis a year after a fire destroyed her Bethlehem home. Gonzalez gave an emotional testimonial before an audience of 100 at the Greater Lehigh Valley Red Cross Awards Celebration and Annual Meeting on June 27 at Bethlehem's SteelStacks.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross helped more than 76,500 people through preparedness and training, military personnel support, senior lifesaving programs and services, emergency relief and information and referral. 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 mission. 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.