On Tuesday, June 18, the Capital Region Chapter held its annual meeting at the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg, California. It was a time to share in the stories and successes of the past year, as well as an opportunity to look ahead to another exciting year in the Capital Region.
The spotlight was busy on this night as the evening focused on the exceptional service of several volunteers, we welcomed new members to our Board of Directors, and we bid farewell to friends on the Board whom had reached the end of their service terms or had otherwise stepped down.
Six awards were presented during the course of the evening, recognizing the efforts and service of volunteers and organizations during their time with the Red Cross.
Joyce Raley Teel Humanitarian Philanthropy Award
Established in 2006 and named in honor of a true friend and long-time supporter of the Capital Region Chapter, this award was presented to E&J Gallo Winery in recognition of their exceptional leadership gifting to help local area people who benefit from Red Cross services and programs.
James McColm Lifetime Achievement Award
Awarded annually to a volunteer that has dedicated their life to the mission and fundamental principles of the American Red Cross while also serving in a variety of roles, this award recognized long time volunteer Jacqueline Ball. Jacqueline has been a volunteer with the Chapter for many years serving in a variety of capacities. Her efforts inspire and her passion for service shines through every time. We are so pleased to have such amazing volunteers as Jacqueline, continually stepping up to meet any challenge and working so hard and selflessly to bring comfort to those in need.
Linda Brandenburger Legacy Leadership Award
This year’s Legacy Leadership Award recognized Suzanne J. Shephard, Esq., for her leadership in the advancement of the chapter’s estate and gift planning efforts. Suzanne has been a great supporter and friend of the Chapter over the past two decades, and she has been instrumental in fulfilling well over $8.3 million in estate and planned gifts from Red Cross donors.
Frank Corti Fund Development Award
Marion Tilson Bradford, a long time friend and supporter of the Red Cross, sadly passed away in May of 2012 at the age of 92. She was honored as this year’s recipient of the Frank Corti Fund Development Award, recognizing an individual that has demonstrated exceptional leadership in fund raising efforts for the Capital Region Chapter. This award was named after longtime local grocer, Frank Corti, who also had a long history with the chapter as a fundraising and leadership volunteer, even serving for a period as the chapter’s Board Chair.
Henri Dunant Award
Thanks to his commitment and dedication recruiting, training, and mentoring volunteers with the Placer County Disaster Action Team, this year’s Henri Dunant Award was presented to volunteer Bob Eger. The award recognizes exceptional commitment to and performance on a specific service or project with the American Red Cross as well as leadership in assessing community needs and barriers to outreach.
Clara Barton Award
A once-in-a-lifetime award emphasizing volunteers who contribute personal expertise, cooperation with other paid and volunteer staff, and constructive guidance, this year’s Clara Barton Award was presented to volunteer Al Lee. As a leader and mentor in all facets of Red Cross Disaster Services, Al has long set the bar for service. So committed is Al to his volunteer work that he could not be present to receive recognition as he is currently on deployment in Oklahoma helping to assist victims of the recent tornadoes.
As his third and final term as a member of the Chapter Board of Directors drew to a close, we also bid farewell to Steve Turner. Steve, a Battalion Chief with Sacramento Metro Fire, has been a longtime Red Cross volunteer, once serving as Board Chair. However, while his service on the Board may have reached an end, his commitment to volunteerism and the Red Cross endures and we are delighted to see that relationship continue.
Finally, the Annual Meeting welcomed several new faces to the Board of Directors. Joining the Board for the new year are:
- Major General Mary J. Kight, Retired, from the California Air National Guard
- Michael Miller of Aerojet
- Lisa Stanton of the Sacramento International Airport
- Kate Stille of Nugget Markets
- Hector Vega of Grainger
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