Red Cross seeking heroes for awards
For 13 years local American Red Cross Chapters have recognized some of the Real Heroes among us — people whose courage, kindness and unselfish character deserve public recognition. Again this year, the Aroostook County office of the Pine Tree Chapter invites individuals or organizations to nominate one or more people to be a 2012 Real Hero.
A committee of community leaders will choose from among the nominees to receive Real Heroes awards at the 14th Annual Real Heroes Breakfast which will be held on Friday, April 6, at the Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle. The event is sponsored by Aroostook County Office of the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter, Northern Maine Community College and WAGM –TV 8/FOX 8.
Individuals may make more than one Real Hero nomination. Those who nominate the selected award recipients are also invited to the breakfast.
“The Real Heroes Breakfast grew out of a desire to develop an event that is closely related to the mission of the American Red Cross, which is to help people save lives,” said Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County chapter manager. “The Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Over a million Red Cross volunteers accomplish this every day of the year through the simple, yet powerful process of someone putting his or her own needs aside to help others. I can think of no better way to celebrate this spirit of humanitarianism then by nominating and recognizing heroes in our own community,” Knorr added.
According to Knorr, one of last year’s Red Cross Real Heroes was Mary McCarthy of Mapleton. In early April of last year, Mary and her sister were kayaking on Hanson Lake near her home when she noticed a commotion with some fishermen. As she got closer, she saw a man in the water. Mary took her sister back to shore and paddled out quickly to help the victim. She was able to get him to the landing where emergency personnel were waiting. Thanks to Mary, the victim avoided serious hypothermia and only spent a few hours in the emergency room; had she not taken immediate action, the victim may have drowned.
To obtain a 2012 Red Cross Real Hero nomination form, call 493-4620, ext.108 or e-mail knorr@maineredcross.org. All Real Hero nominees should live, work, or study in Aroostook County and have performed his, her or their heroic act between Feb. 11, 2011 and Feb. 10, 2012.
The completed nomination form must be returned to Knorr at the Aroostook County Office of the Pine Tree Chapter by fax, mail, or e-mail no later than 12 p.m. on Feb. 10. Nomination forms will not be accepted after this deadline. Submission information is included on the nomination form.
Businesses and organizations can also be part of this notable event by sponsoring a table at the April 6, Real Heroes breakfast.
Proceeds are used locally to assist Aroostook County disaster victims served by the Red Cross.
