Central New York Real Heroes Breakfast

by Karin Schneider

'Tis the season for the American Red Cross Real Heroes Breakfast! Each year, American Red Cross chapters across the region honor local community members who went above and beyond in different categories of humanitarian accomplishment. I had the exciting opportunity to attend the 21st Annual Central New York Real Heroes Breakfast on Dec. 4 at the Oncenter in Syracuse, where staff and volunteers from our local chapter managed to turn the large ballroom into a warm and elegant dining environment. 

Karin Schneider, John Walsh
and Brian Johnson of Dannible & McKee LLP 

As a new Disaster Action Team volunteer, I was asked to carry the banner announcing the Workplace Safety honoree, John Walsh.  During John's career as manager of American Airlines at Hancock International Airport, he became the leading force of the airport's Airline Response Plan in case of an accident. I really enjoyed talking to him, and learned interesting insights about airline emergency responses. 

All the honorees were paraded out with the category's corporate sponsor and banner holder before breakfast was served.  After the meal, each honoree was called to the podium where the sponsor spoke a few words about the honoree, and a video vignette was shown providing a visual story of his or her accomplishment.  

Alberto Bianchetti and "RJ" Drager 

One of my favorite sponsor presenters was Alberto Bianchetti from National Grid who presented the Youth Good Samaritan award to 7-year-old Robert James"RJ" Drager, who saved his friend from drowning. Alberto recited facts about RJ that he had learned from previous conversations ranging from the pet dog to favorite activities, and confirmed each fact with RJ, who always responded with an enthusiastic "Yes!" One couldn't help but to smile the entire time.

Overall, the event left me with warm and happy feelings.  It was reassuring to be reminded that good and caring citizens live in our community, not only by the honorees, but by the CNY Chapter of the American Red Cross and corporate sponsors of the event. I'm looking forward to next year!

2019 Central New York Real Heroes and Sponsors 

Karin Schneider is a volunteer with the American Red Cross of Central New York. 

Red Cross Heroes Unifrax, Michael J. Hoplight to be Honored at Reverse Draw

UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who made the Reverse Draw a huge success! Check out the photos on our Facebook page!

22^nd Annual Event and Dinner scheduled for Tuesday, May 14

Mike Hoplight at American Red Cross in Greater NY
headquarters in Manhattan while serving in the reponse
to Sandy last fall.

BUFFALO, NY, May 7, 2013 - The 22nd Annual Reverse Draw and Dinner to benefit the American Red Cross is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14 at the Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls. This signature event for the American Red Cross in Niagara County reverses the usual raffle strategy by rewarding the final ticket drawn with the grand prize of $3,000. Other prizes donated by various organizations and community members will be awarded throughout the evening. All proceeds benefit the American Red Cross, Serving Erie & Niagara Counties. Red Cross Heroes Unifrax and Michael J. Hoplight will be honored at this year’s event.

What:            22^nd Annual Reverse Draw and Dinner to benefit the American Red Cross, Serving Erie & Niagara Counties

When:           Tuesday, May 14, 2013
                        6pm-9pm

Where:         Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls

                        101 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Why:              Red Cross Heroes Unifrax and Michael J. Hoplight will be honored for their support of the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross. Unifrax has worked with the Red Cross for over 20 years to help meet the emergency needs of people in WNY and around the world following disasters. Hoplight has volunteered with the Red Cross in Niagara County since 1995, and spent more than half of 2012 on deployment, including four separate assignments in NYC and NJ following Superstorm Sandy and three months serving as Assistant Station Manager at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan.

RSVP:            Tickets are $150 each and include hors d’oeurves, dinner for two, one complimentary cocktail per person, and one entry into the Reverse Draw contest for a chance to win up to $3,000 cash plus other great prizes.

Contact Faye at (716) 878-2396 or faye.macclellan@redcross.org for more information.