At our annual board meeting in August, the Red Cross of Idaho and East Oregon presented awards to three terrific volunteers for their exceptional service in the past year.
 

MIKE BOLTS, CALDWELL
Mike Bolts is the recipient of the Roy Eiguren Leadership Award and a nominee for the National Presidential Service Award. Since joining us in May 2017, Mike has been a vital biomed transportation specialist and a leader of our disaster services team. The Roy Eiguren Leadership Award is given to the volunteer who demonstrates exceptional performance or service in support of our mission. The award winner is also nominated for our National Presidential Service Award each year.

Mike’s dedication is evident in his impressive record, completing 62 blood delivery routes and covering numerous miles to ensure timely deliveries in 2024. Mike also led our Meridian Sound the Alarm event and is helping plan the upcoming Nampa event.

In addition, he serves as a community volunteer leader, dedicating 561 hours last year to presenting to service clubs and civil service leaders.

“His selflessness, leadership and unwavering commitment to our mission exemplify the true spirit of volunteerism and service,” Red Cross of Idaho and East Oregon board member Vanessa Fry said. “Mike's contributions have had a profound impact on our organization and the communities we serve. His exceptional service and dedication make him a highly deserving candidate for the 2024 National Presidential Service Award and the Idaho and East Oregon Chapter’s Roy Eiguren Leadership Award.”

TERESSA GRIFFIN, BOISE
Teressa Griffin received the Biomed Volunteer Excellence Award, which recognizes a biomedical services volunteer who has shown exceptional performance or service in support of our diverse mission. Teressa had been a blood donor for most of her life and began donating platelets in January 2022. The opportunity to help save lives would lead her to join the Red Cross. As a blood donor ambassador, Teressa enhances donors’ experience by providing support and encouragement. She engages with donors about our mission, helps schedule future appointments, addresses immediate needs after donation and is a friendly face throughout the donation process.

"Teressa is so fabulous. She's always willing to step up with a smile on her face.  She loves her work, and we are lucky enough to get to reap the benefits of her passion and commitment to the Red Cross and her community,” said Amanda Schmierer, volunteer engagement representative. “It’s an honor working with her."

Along with her work as a biomedical volunteer, Teressa is an active member on our Service to the Armed Forces team and consistently takes on additional roles in both Service to the Armed Forces and biomed in the Boise area. Service to the Armed Forces colleagues say Teressa often steps up to address last-minute needs and has also served in leadership positions within the Service to the Armed Forces program.
 

KAREN SARE, REXBURG
Disaster cycle services volunteer Karen Sare received the Dane Watkins Exceptional Volunteer Award, which honors a volunteer who exemplifies outstanding engagement and dedication to our mission. Since joining our mission in November 2017, Karen has been a cornerstone of the American Red Cross, dedicating more than 1,000 volunteer hours last year alone. As a member of both the region’s disaster health services team and the Eastern Idaho disaster action team, she plays a crucial role in enhancing volunteer experiences and increasing preparedness. Her efforts include involving nursing students in smoke alarm installations, significantly advancing preparedness in Eastern Idaho.

“Karen has also stepped up to be a hands-only CPR Instructor and is working to identify partners where we can help share this lifesaving skill,” said Scott O’Connell, regional disaster officer. “Karen is an asset not only to the East Idaho team, but also to our region as a whole.”