EATONTOWN, NJ, May 8, 2024 – American Red Cross Presidential Award for Excellence Nominee Gary Olivero celebrated his achievements by holding a fundraising luncheon on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Suneagles Golf Club in Eatontown to raise donations for a disaster response vehicle for use in New Jersey.

“Gary has been living and promoting the mission of the Red Cross for decades,” said Rosie Taravella, CEO, American Red Cross New Jersey Region. “He connects volunteers, guides our representatives and serves as an enthusiastic and passionate symbol of how life can be lived for others.”

Olivero, who resides in Holmdel, New Jersey, is a Community Volunteer Leader for the Red Cross. His volunteer roles with Red Cross Disaster Services include Disaster Action Team member responding to local home fires, disaster worker deploying to help with response to large-scale disasters throughout the country, and as a supervisor for Government Operations. He also dedicates his time coordinating blood drives and working with Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, especially at NWS Earle. Olivero is a member of the Communications volunteer team in New Jersey and Board Chair Emeritus.

Olivero attributes this recognition to the support of friends, staff and fellow volunteers and wanted to enjoy the recognition together. His luncheon fundraiser had more than 120 in attendance and guests were asked to make a gift to honor Gary and help fund a new disaster response vehicle.

“I’m not surprised Gary looks at this honor as a way to help the Red Cross,” said Taravella. “That’s the type of person he is – always looking for ways to help others. We’re honored to have him as a volunteer.”

Gary Olivero's Disaster Vehicle Fleet Fundraiser

Every day, the Red Cross helps people facing emergencies, big and small. When a family is devastated by a home fire, the Red Cross provides shelter, food and more. But before any of this can happen, volunteers must travel to the scene. The Red Cross fleet of disaster response vehicles are vital to fulfilling the mission. People can visit this site to donate and celebrate with Gary!

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on social media.

About the American Red Cross in New Jersey:
The American Red Cross provides programs and services to a population of 9.2 million in New Jersey. The Red Cross trains and mobilizes more than 4,000 volunteers who support the delivery of services throughout the state. In New Jersey last year, the Red Cross responded to 1,047 local disasters, mostly home fires, assisting 7,222 people in 2,476 displaced families; collected 96,981 blood donations and 8,496 platelet donations from generous donors through blood drives and Red Cross Blood Donation Centers; provided more than 9,058 military family case services with emergency messages, helping families find assistance and/or get counseling and referrals; and trained 114,387 people with life-saving skills in CPR, AED use, first aid and aquatics. For more information, please visit redcross.org/NJ and follow us @NJRedCross.

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