by Kelly Baker, American Red Cross New Hampshire Volunteer Partner
“Heroes come all walks of life. These people are proof that one person can make a significant difference and positively impact the well being of others”, Maria White, CEO American Red Cross NH & VT
The Red Cross Heroes Breakfast was created to celebrate and recognize those individuals who live and work amongst us who have had a significant impact on our community or displayed a selfless act of heroism. It is vitally important we continue to recognize these unsung heroes so they can continue to serve as an inspiration for all, weaving a more vibrant web of support and involvement within our communities.
This years Heroes Breakfast, celebrating American Red Cross Heroes will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2015 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Southern New Hampshire University Dining Center, Conference Facility 2500 North River Road, Manchester, NH 03104. Tickets to the event are $25, and a table of 8 is $200. Please reserve your seat today by contacting Lucie Thibodeau at 603-889-6664 ext. 228.
For more updated information, please “like” us on Facebook by visiting us today at www.facebook.com/nhredcross, or follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/NHRedCross.
2014 NH Red Cross Heroes Awards Crafted by Seacoast Artist Walter Liff photo by EpixStudios
Meet This Year’s American Red Cross New Hampshire Heroes
Police Officers Stephen Arkell & Derek Franek were the first on scene at a Brentwood home after reports of an elderly man being abused by his son. Officer Arkell courageously entered the home without backup and was ambushed by the suspect. Knowing he was approaching a perilous situation, Officer Franek entered the home and came under fire, but was able to locate Officer Arkell and warn other officers. Tragically, Officer Arkell was killed in the ambush, but the quick actions of both officers saved lives and prevented a larger loss of life in this tragedy.
In 2011, Tara Holmes Ball, of Exeter, lost her 14-year old son, Connor, to suicide. Since then, she launched an annual 5k fundraiser named Connor’s Climb that has raised $37,500 to support suicide prevention and education in New Hampshire schools. Undoubtedly, her devotion to suicide awareness is saving young lives in New Hampshire.
Mike and Gloria Caponera, of Franklin have been volunteering at Red Cross donor centers throughout New Hampshire every Wednesday for the past eight years. Mike averages 20 platelet donations a year, which provides life-saving platelet doses to patients in need. As platelets can only be stored for a few days, regular and frequent donors are in great demand and constantly needed. The Red Cross is exceptionally grateful for the Caponera’s ongoing generosity and dedication to serving others at its donor centers.
Jacey Montague, of Alton, may only be 6-years old but she had the presence of mind to save her grandfather’s life when a tree fell on him in the woods. Immediately after the accident, Jacey quickly returned home to call 911 and then waited outside the woods to guide the first responders to her grandfather. Jacey’s quick actions and presence of mind to assist the first responders saved her grandfather’s life.
Journalist James Foley, who grew up in Wolfeboro, was killed by Islamic State militants in Syria in 2014. James knew the risks of reporting from the most unstable parts of the world as he was kidnapped once before in Libya. However, he also knew the importance of front line journalism and ultimately gave his life while showing the world what the oppressors didn’t want us to see.
Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors! Photo by EpixStudios
We are honored to share this inspiring morning with Unitil, the Title Sponsor for this year’s Heroes Breakfast. In addition to Unitil as our Title Sponsor, we are pleased to recognize FairPoint Communications, BAE Systems, Dartmouth Hitchcock Manchester, Exeter Hospital, Bellwether Community Credit Union, HealthTrust, Northeast Delta Dental, Rath, Young and Pignatelli, P.A., Anagnost Companies, Geneia, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, Anagnost Companies, Lincoln Financial Group, New Hampshire Electric Co- Op, Optima Bank, Seabrook Station and St. Joseph Hospital.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available, please contact Stephanie Couturier, 603-225-6697 ext. 219 for more information.