Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Several selfless acts of courage and good deeds were recognized last Thursday at the 13th annual Real Heroes Breakfast held at Northern Maine Community College.
Hosted by the American Red Cross—Pine Tree Chapter, WAGM-TV 8/FOX 8 and NMCC, the concept for the Real Heroes Breakfast has grown out of a desire to develop an event that is closely related to the mission of the American Red Cross — teaching people how to save lives.
“The Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies,” said Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County branch manager of the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter. “This is done through the simple, yet powerful process of one person putting their needs aside to help another. Across the nation, over 1 million Red Cross volunteers do this each day.
“What better way to celebrate this spirit of humanitarianism than by honoring those individuals who have shown courage, kindness, and unselfish character by their act of heroism in Aroostook County,” she said.
Rather than having a keynote speaker address the sold-out crowd, three Red Cross Every Day Heroes spoke briefly about the services the organization provides and how being involved has touched them personally.
Judy Winchester of Wallagrass, a disaster volunteer, shared a story about walking into an elderly woman’s home following the Fort Kent flood and being met with tears of joy.
“She said, ‘You wouldn’t believe what the Red Cross just did for me.’ I said, ‘What did they do?’ and she reached behind the curtain and pulled out a teddy bear. To us, it was a teddy bear; to her, it was the start of her teddy bear collection which she had just lost in the flood,” said Winchester. “Red Cross volunteers had brought her a teddy bear to start her new beginning. She had tears and so did I before I left that place. It was an emotional need and the Red Cross met it. I soon became a volunteer after that.
“Another time I went and met with a family who had just lost everything in a fire. As I was sitting there with the parents, the child was asking for this toy and that toy but they had been destroyed. One thing that the child had lost in the fire was his security blanket,” she said. “I had gone to the car before I knew this and had gotten a blanket and asked the parents if it was OK if I gave it to him. They said, ‘Sure.’ When I gave it to him, he said, ‘Thank you, I have a new bankie.’ The joy of that in my heart … to see that little child smile after he had just lost everything was overwhelming. With the Red Cross, it doesn’t matter how rich you are, how old you are, how young you are, how poor you are. Whether you live in a mansion on a hill or a shack in the street, they help you. It’s a wonderful feeling to be a Red Cross volunteer and I am honored to be a part of it.”
At the breakfast, prepared remarks from U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe and Congressman Michael Michaud were read by their regional representatives, Sharon Campbell and Barbara Hayslett, respectively. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins videotaped a message that was aired at the breakfast.
“This celebration reminds us that heroes are not just the people who make the history books, they are also the neighbors who make a difference every day. Today we recognize those who have made a great difference right here in The County,” said Collins. “Whether a spontaneous response to an emergency or an ongoing commitment to others, these are the acts of real heroes. Congratulations to you all.”
Recognized as 2011 Real Heroes were:
• Kim Martin of Caribou, who received the Clara Barton Award for helping to care for those who have been wounded physically and emotionally.
• Marjorie Bell of Caribou, who received the Every Day Helping Hand Award for exhibiting care and support to others every day.
• Jerry Couture of Sinclair, who received the Neighborhood Friend Award, for realizing and providing help in time of need.
• Mary McCarthy of Mapleton, who received the Red Spirit Award, for performing a life-saving action.
• Andrew “Andy” White Sr. of Wade, who received the Valor Award, for performing an act of bravery in order to save a life.
• Daniel J. Rioux of Fort Kent, who received the Young Courage Award, for exhibiting courage, quick thinking and help in time of need.
• Cary Medical Center, which received the Extra Mile Award for ensuring the mission of the Red Cross is met.
• Katahdin Trust Co., which also received an Extra Mile Award.
Proceeds from this fundraiser helps the American Red Cross provide emergency shelter, food, clothing, infant supplies, medical equipment and recovery resources to local friends, neighbors and loved ones who experience a fire, flood or other disaster. These services are at no cost to the victims and are provided by generous local donations from individuals, businesses, organizations and championed fundraisers such as this one.
Katahdin Trust Co.’s hard work and generous commitment toward the Red Cross mission has helped to raise nearly $80,000 over the past 12 years. In addition, the bank helps to broadcast Red Cross activities through their ongoing radio media campaigns. If it were not for Katahdin Trust Co.’s strong belief in the mission of the Red Cross, many people would not know what the Red Cross is all about and would not feel assured that the Red Cross will be there in time of need.
Rene Cloukey, sports director at WAGM-TV, was the master of ceremonies.
Proceeds from the Real Heroes Breakfast will benefit the local Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
