Islands Red Cross names ‘Real Heroes’

The Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross recently honored 10 community Real Heroes and two Outstanding Service volunteers. The awardees come from all parts of the chapter’s wide service area: Fidalgo/La Conner, Whidbey Island, and the San Juans.

Andy Wappler, veteran Northwest broadcaster and President of the Puget Sound Energy Foundation, announced the awards at the Islands Chapter Real Heroes Dinner on Friday, May 2 at the Port of Anacortes “Transit Shed” Event Center in Anacortes.

The evening also featured a salute to our Fallen Heroes in Washington State in conjunction with the Washington State Gold Star Mothers Chapter.

Recognition and appreciation were given to the following:

San Juan Islands Unit
San Juan County 911 Dispatchers – accepted by Supervisor Robin DeLaZerda
Waldron Island School students and teacher Joanne Colman Wester
Paul Neave – Outstanding Service Volunteer

Fidalgo Area Unit
Larry Karlovich for a water rescue
Holly Treadway, Anacortes High School Athletic Trainer
Charlotte (Charlie) Auclair for Service to Our Country

North Whidbey Island Unit
NAS Whidbey Fire & Emergency Services Station 71 Crew
Timothy Hawk, NAS Whidbey Rescue Swimmer
Michael Frost, Outstanding Service Volunteer

South Whidbey Island Unit
Re McClung, Toys for Tots Co-Chair
Jessica Larson and Angus, Whidbey Search Dog volunteers
Marion Henny, Lifetime Achievement Award

Islands Chapter Executive Director Mike Stamper told the capacity audience, “The annual Real Heroes event is an opportunity for the community to thank these remarkable individuals, and to support the local Red Cross chapter. All donations for the event will be used for local disaster relief efforts in our multi-county service area.”

Lead corporate sponsor for the event was Shell’s Puget Sound Refinery. Hero Award sponsors were Puget Sound Energy and Tesoro Refinery. The Samish Tribe and Ace Hardware in Anacortes and Friday Harbor are ongoing partners and Patron Sponsors of the event. Table sponsors included Boeing, Dakota Creek Industries, Island Hospital, The Market and Bob’s Chowder Bar (Anacortes), Eagles Eye Consulting, Key Bank, Majestic Inn & Spa, and Whidbey Telecom. Underwriting from sponsors allowed the dinner to be offered free of charge.

To make a donation to honor these Heroes and support Red Cross disaster relief, go to www.redcross.org/islandschapter or call 360-293-2911. Mailing address is PO Box 249, Anacortes WA 98221.

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