And the award goes to…

Lawrence and Pearlia Kynard have been volunteers for nearly a decade. Together, they’ve traveled the country, responding to fires, floods, and tornadoes from California to Louisiana and back again. They also serve locally as members of the Lucas County Disaster Action Team. As Team Leaders, they mentor new volunteers and are always available to assist when disasters strike. They even help out with special events like our annual Oscar Night or anywhere else we need them.

Because of their efforts, we’re proud to announce the Kynards won Medical Mutual’s Exemplary Senior Volunteer of the Year Award in the Silver category. Congratulations!

We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers. Sign up to be one today!

Awarding Invaluable Efforts

According to recent survey, a volunteer’s time is worth $21.40 an hour in Ohio. Since July 2013, our volunteers have provided our Red Cross with $406,086.40 worth of assistance. Isn’t that amazing? We honored some of their efforts on April 10th at a volunteer award luncheon in Allen County. Here’s a list of the award recipients:

Larry Flick – Clara Barton Award
Carole Hume and Janet Eilerman –
Volunteer of the Year Award
Jasmine Binod – Youth of the Year Award
Paul Brown – Frances Miller Award
Timothy “Bo” McComas – Flickinger Leadership Award
Your Hometown Stations – Organization/Business of the Year Award

The event provided volunteers with door prizes and desserts while recognizing service tenures ranging from 5 years up to 70 years (incredible, VaLaire Orchard!) You can read this article for more information about our awards or check out additional photos from the event here. Congratulations to all of the winners and a special thank you for all you do to support our mission.

Don’t miss out! See how you or a friend can become a volunteer too.

March Matchness

We have some exciting news for new and existing donors who want to give above and beyond for Red Cross Month! Edward and Linda Reiter are offering a $5,000 Matching Gift to support the mission and efforts of the Red Cross.

If you’re a new donor, simply donate between $500 and $5,000 and your gift will be matched. If you’re an existing donor, donate an amount that exceeds your gift from last year and the difference between the two will be matched. For example, if you donated $700 last year and donate $1,000 this year, Ed and Linda will match $300 making the donation total $600! Now here’s a little secret: this is an opportunity to double-dip! A donation between $1,000 and $9,999 to the Red Cross in any twelve month time frame qualifies you as a member of the Clara Barton Society. The Clara Barton Society offers an experience to members filled with recognition and rewards in the spirit of our founder, Clara Barton.

Ed and Linda Reiter are longtime supporters of the Red Cross and our community. They understand the importance of giving back to those who are in need. We’re blown away by their generosity and encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to double your contribution!

For more information on the matching gift or the Clara Barton Society, contact our Major Gifts Officer, Chris Diefenthaler, or call 419-329-2375.