Contact: Marita Salkowski
513-477-1694 | Marita.salkowski@redcross.org
CINCINNATI, December 8, 2022—The Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Chapter of the American Red Cross is proud to announce that Chair and CEO Rodney McMullen and the Kroger Family of Companies has been named the recipient of the prestigious Clara Barton Award for Humanitarian Service. The award will be presented at a special breakfast event held January 26, 2023 at 9 a.m. at Cincinnati Music Hall.
The Clara Barton Award for Humanitarian Service is presented to a dynamic leader or organization that demonstrates inspiring humanitarian concern for our community and advocates to make it a better place for us to live and work.
Rodney McMullen led Kroger in directing more than $1.6 billion in charitable giving to support national and local organizations that feed families and build stronger communities. “Considering the parameters of the award, Mr. McMullen is the perfect recipient for this honor,” said Stephanie Byrd, Regional CEO of the Central & Southern Ohio Region of the American Red Cross. “In addition to its inspiring charitable giving, Kroger is a leader in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, recognizing the value of each person and the importance of creating environments that fuel collaboration, inspiration, and individual growth.
“This award is a testament to Kroger’s more than 420,000 associates and their dedication to our customers, communities and each other,” said McMullen. “Whether helping a customer find the perfect ingredient to create a memorable meal or volunteering with their local food bank, our associates’ passion for food and for people is inspiring. In the five years since launching our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social and environmental impact plan, Kroger has donated more than 2.3 billon meals to families in need and achieved 100% store participation in our fresh food rescue program that keeps food out of land fills to feed people. I cannot wait to see what our associates accomplish in the next five years.”
The Clara Baron Award for Humanitarian Service event gives the Red Cross an opportunity to recognize community leaders for their service, as well as highlight the work of the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Chapter. The funds generated serve as an important source of revenue in supporting the life-saving Red Cross programs in Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Brown, Clermont, Dearborn, Ohio, Boone, Kenton, Campbell, and Grant counties.
This award is named after the remarkable founder and first leader of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton. Based on her inspiring legacy to the nation, this award finds focus on—service to humanity—as reflected in the services provided daily by the devoted volunteers ofthe American Red Cross.
For more information about this event go to Redcross.org/Cincinnati
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/cincinnati or join us on Facebook and Twitter at @ARCcsor or on LinkedIn ARC Central and Southern Ohio