The Lehigh Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross honored 41 of its volunteers at its annual Celebration of Volunteers Banquet in February. Special awards were presented to four individuals for their exceptional service in helping the Red Cross fulfill its mission to assist survivors of disasters, and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Special honorees were: William Slotter, for contributions to disaster services; Dennis and Rachel Magargal, for providing more than 1,300 combined volunteer hours; Richard Wright, for supporting biomedical services by making 81 blood deliveries per month; and Jill Weinhold, for aiding financial development, including chairing the auction fundraising committee.

Sandy Ives was recognized for her 20 years of service, and the following 19 others were recognized for their 10 years as volunteers: Frances Bowes, Dennis Cianci, Eileen Cleary, Kenneth Dickerson, Rosalie Ellicott, Linda Frey, Bhavesh Joshi, Kathryn Kryzan, Gentry LeMartin, Edward Lenny, Isabel Lenny, Marsha McGuire, Mary Miller, Mindy Pinkus, William Rex, William Slotter, Anthony Vandeven, Fred Vielhauer and Chester Westgate.

Five-year service honorees were: Brian Bobeck, Eugenia Burkholder, April Chunko, Tom Cockley, Theodore Harkness, Kern Jolibois, Erik Knight, Neinlah Kolie, Ryan McGoldrick, Adrianna Minnich, Tracylynn Navarro, Cali Nelson, David Sales, Amy Tashner, Terry Tatro, Margaret Tyrell and Francis Wolos.

In her remarks during the celebration, Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes, regional Red Cross CEO from Philadelphia, told the 70 in attendance that volunteers are the heart and soul of the organization. During the past year, she noted, the Lehigh Valley chapter’s 680 volunteers responded to more than 160 disasters. “When I get there [at disasters], I see you.”

Later, she added, “We know there are two things that save lives – working smoke alarms and customized escape plans. We are on a mission to make sure there are no more fire fatalities. That’s the goal, and you do it 24/7.”

Addressing the honorees, Judge Hughes said, “Applaud yourselves because we applaud you.”