Southern Indiana Humanitarians Recognized at 21st Annual Humanitarian Gala, presented by Bales

“You must never so much think as whether you like it or not, whether it is bearable or not; you must never think of anything except the need, and how to meet it.”

Those were the words of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, and they are words that Red Cross volunteers still live by today. Whether the work is easy or hard, Red Crossers make it their mission to serve their community and ease the suffering of others in times of crisis. The humanitarians honored at our 21st annual American Red Cross Humanitarian Gala at Huber's Plantation Hall were no different.

Five Southern Indiana volunteers — Barbara Anderson, Carl and Mary Kramer, Darrell Voelker and Victoria Southern—were recognized for their outstanding dedication and service to the Southern Indiana community.

 

2018 Humanitarians, (left to right): Victoria Southern (third from left),
Carl and Mary Kramer, Darrell Voelker, and Barbara Anderson 

Carl Kramer has been a Red Cross volunteer for over 30 years. He served as the Clark County Red Cross chapter chair for three years. His wife, Mary, has also been a lifelong Red Crosser. She served as chair of the Clark County chapter from 2009 to 2012, worked in blood services for 20 years, and was the director of Volunteer Services for the Louisville Area Chapter.

Darrel Voelker got involved with the Red Cross as a senior at Providence High School while participating in a blood drive, and has made more than 230 blood donations since.

Barb Anderson is the director of Haven House, a general population shelter that serves 14 Indiana counties, and is a board member for the National Coalition for the Homeless.

Victoria Southern, this year's youth humanitarian, volunteers through her church and JROTC.

These five volunteers were presented Humanitarian Awards by Kentucky Region CEO Jennifer Adrio during the program. Attendees also heard from Josh Bleill, public speaker, former Indianapolis Colts spokesperson, and the son of an Indiana Red Cross Executive Director, shared a little about his first-hand experience with Red Cross volunteerism.

Josh Bliell

At age 29, Bliell was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq, where a bomb exploded under the vehicle he was riding in. He lost both of his legs in the blast, and spent two years in the hospital undergoing extensive rehabilitation. When it was time for him to learn to walk again, Red Cross volunteers in the downstairs office of the hospital provided him with shoes he could use with his prosthetics.

“[I am] continually impressed […] when I run into anyone from the Red Cross.” Said Bliell as he concluded his speech, addressing the award recipients and the room at large. “This day, this world, is a better place because of all of you here.”

This year’s Humanitarian Award recipients embody the spirit of the Red Cross, and have made lifelong commitments to serving others. Congratulations, and thank you for all you do!

View more photos of the gala in our Flickr album.

Eastern Kentucky Chapter Receives New Emergency Response Vehicle

The American Red Cross Eastern Kentucky Chapter unveiled its newest tool today, Wed., Sept. 5th, in Ashland, KY to assist area residents during crisis – its very own emergency response vehicle. The vehicle, the first of its kind for the Eastern Kentucky Chapter, was purchased with a $150,000 grant from the American Electric Power (AEP) Foundation presented by Kentucky Power.

Photo credit: Kentucky Power

“Eastern Kentucky is no stranger to natural disasters like floods yet has never had its own dedicated Emergency Response Vehicle,” said Kentucky Power President Matt Satterwhite. “This modern vehicle will help the Red Cross quickly respond in our communities during emergencies. The devastation resulting from the recent hurricanes and the flooding and power outages that followed, show the value this vehicle will bring to our region and beyond.”

The Red Cross uses Emergency Response Vehicles with response, relief and recovery operations to provide food, water, personal hygiene kits, blankets, cots, volunteer help and other assistance to those in need. The new vehicle is a mobile feeding station capable of serving up to 25,000 meals to people affected by hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, forest fires, blizzards, ice storms or other natural disasters.

Photo Credit: Kentucky Power

“This vehicle could not have been possible without the generous grant donation from The American Electric Power Foundation,” said Debbie Ranier, executive director of the Eastern Kentucky Chapter of the American Red Cross. “We honestly see Kentucky Power and AEP as part of the Red Cross family. This vehicle will serve American Red Cross Disaster Relief well for the next 10 years and beyond, not only in eastern Kentucky, but also for our neighbors in southern Ohio, West Virginia and the nation.” 

The unveiling comes as the Red Cross, the Ashland Fire Department and others recognize National Preparedness Month. Celebrated each September, National Preparedness Month encourages Americans to be prepared for disasters in their homes, businesses and communities.