The Chautauqua District of
the American Red Cross of Southwestern New York honored their volunteers on
Thursday, October 25th at the Cassadaga American Legion.
Chapter Executive Director
Bill Tucker presented “Highlights of our 105th Year of Community
Service” to over 60 volunteers and supporters, thanking them for their
tremendous support in carrying out the mission of the Red Cross here in
Chautauqua County. “Volunteers
constitute over 90% of the total workforce of the American Red Cross, providing
the service delivery necessary to carry out our mission of preventing and
alleviating human suffering in face of emergencies; we couldn’t do it without
these wonderful individuals.”
22 volunteers received
certificates for volunteering over 200 hours of service between July 1, 2011
and June 30, 2012. In addition, 16
volunteers and staff were honored for reaching an anniversary with the Red
Cross. Among those, Kathy Burch, who
currently serves as the Chapter’s assistant executive director, received her
pin for 25 years, and Dudley Erickson, of Lakewood, was honored for dedicating
50 years of service to the Red Cross on the local, regional and National
levels. “Dudley, or ‘Spud’ as we all
know him, exudes a contagious passion for the Red Cross, extolling the
importance of our mission to the community, friends, and family. We are honored to call him ‘friend’,” said
Tucker during his remarks.
 |
Kellie King; Sue King;
Donna and Charlie Meder, recipients of the Distinguished Service Award in
Memory of Amy King; Vince Horrigan, Board of Directors, American Red Cross of
SWNY; Kathy Burch, Assistant Executive Director, American Red Cross of SWNY
|
Donna and Charlie Meder of
Stockton were awarded the Distinguished Service Award in Memory of Amy King,
and were named the Chapter’s 2012 Volunteers of the Year for Chautauqua County. The Meders have dedicated many hours, both
day and night, over the past 15 years to assist victims of disasters, locally
and nationally. Charlie continues to
travel to national disasters with the Chapter’s Emergency Response Vehicle, and
both Charlie and Donna continue to respond locally to help assist victims of
home fires and other natural and man-made disasters. They have participated in speaking
engagements about their experiences with the Red Cross, most recently regarding
their support of the Katrina relief efforts.
Donna assists the Chapter with client casework, and has also assisted
the Chapter with Services to Armed Forces.
Charlie often drives a van at our blood drives in the Amish communities,
serving as a shuttle for donors. “This
award has been presented to many deserving individuals in the past, and this
year is no exception,” said Mr. Tucker.
“It is an honor to recognize volunteers as dedicated as The Meders for
their years of service.”
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| Vince Horrigan, Board of Directors, American Red Cross of SWNY; Dudley Erickson, recognized for 50 years of service; Kathy Burch, Assistant Executive Director, American Red Cross of SWNY; Tory Irgang, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County |
“The volunteers of the
American Red Cross of Southwestern New York contributed over 18,151 hours of
service in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties last year,” stated
Kathy Burch, assistant executive director.
“Our volunteers are priceless to us, and we thank them for everything
that they do for the Red Cross and our communities here in Southwestern New
York.”
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