The American Red Cross New Jersey region kicked off Red Cross Month with a day of activities onboard the Battleship New Jersey in Camden. In addition to many of our volunteers, the event was attended by key figures including guest speakers Captain Warren D. Judge, Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen, Camden County Commissioner Melinda Kane and Jack Williard, Executive Director and CEO of the USS New Jersey.
Under a sunny and cloud-dotted sky, everyone gathered to celebrate and honor the work of Red Cross volunteers. Since the Red Cross is rooted in serving military members and veterans, the Battleship New Jersey served as a special backdrop for this event.
Captain Judge shared how the Red Cross, together with host families from Cape May County, help make the holidays special for U.S. Coast Guard recruits through Operation Fireside. The program pairs recruits with families who open their Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations to the boot camp trainees who are unable to be with their own families. Captain Judge expressed how special this has been for the thousands of recruits who’ve participated for more than 40 years.
Mayor Carstarphen spoke about the importance of the Red Cross work throughout the state, noting the impact on fire prevention with more than 46,000 free smoke alarms being installed in vulnerable NJ communities, including 3,000 in the City of Camden. The Mayor, as well as Commissioner Kane, presented proclamations to Red Cross New Jersey CEO Rosie Taravella, proclaiming March as Red Cross Month and honoring the work of the Red Cross and our volunteers.
The Red Cross flag was raised onboard the Battleship and will fly throughout the month of March, in addition to the Battleship being lit red in celebration.
Following the Kick-off event, the first of three Volunteer Recognition events was held inside the Battleship, where Outstanding Volunteers, Outstanding Partners and team Pacesetters were recognized for excellent commitment and going above and beyond to support the Red Cross mission. We also recognized volunteers for years of service milestones, including Johanna Davis and Curtis Hoberman for 50 years of service!
Volunteer Gwyneth Gherzan, an 18-year-old from Highland Park and former high school Red Cross Club member, was honored with a Pacesetter Award for her work in Youth Services. “I started volunteering for the Red Cross four years ago, mainly with local blood drives and translation services,” Gherzan said. Gherzan speaks an impressive number of four languages: Romanian, Hungarian, English and Spanish. She created a video for her high school to teach youth volunteers how to log their hours. Now a college student, Gherzan says her favorite part of her time volunteering was “getting to meet new people.”
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Another Pacesetter awardee was Bridget Lane, who works in the Red Cross Pennsauken office. After just seven months, Lane’s dedication and willingness to help wherever needed has made a great impact. “I’ve been volunteering with the Operations Team since September,” said Lane. I work the front desk and my favorite part is being able to help.”
Long-time volunteer Jim Morgan is recipient of this year’s Michelle Esposito Heart of Service Award. Jim volunteers with Logistics, IT, and particularly Disaster Cycle Services. Since October 2017, Jim has been a dedicated disaster responder, helping those who as he compassionately puts it, “are having the worst day of their lives,” after having lost their home to a fire. Jim shared what prompted him to join the Red Cross and wear that notable Disaster Relief vest. “In the summer of 2017, three hurricanes hit – Maria, Harvey, and Irma. It was August and I had just retired. While watching the news coverage about the hurricanes’ devastation, I said, ‘I’m going to join the Red Cross.’” Since joining, Moran has deployed 16 times to help with disaster relief operations across the country.
Taravella thanked all those who contributed to the day’s events. “We are grateful to the Battleship New Jersey for turning their lights red each night this month and flying our Red Cross flag. March has been recognized as Red Cross Month for 80 years,” Taravella said. “Beginning with President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943, not long after the launch of the Battleship in 1942, every U.S. President since has designated March as Red Cross month, recognizing how the American Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world.”
In honor of March being Red Cross month, make a commitment to serve! Volunteer, donate blood, take a lifesaving class, or support the work of the organization. Learn more at redcross.org/NJ.
