GREENVILLE, S.C. March 13, 2023 – The American Red Cross will host its 31st Annual Red Cross Gala: Heroes Unmasqued on Saturday, March 18 in Greenville. The much-anticipated event raises funds for our lifesaving mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Four heroes will be honored at the event for their contributions to the organization and to their communities.
"We look forward to once again assembling fellow humanitarians in the name of service to our neighbors here in South Carolina and across the country at the Red Cross Gala," said Rod Tolbert, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross of South Carolina. "We thank the generous donors, community partners, and of course, our treasured volunteers who make our humanitarian work possible. At the gala, we are proud to honor the contributions of four individuals who exemplify the mission of the American Red Cross."
American Red Cross 31st Annual Gala - Heroes Unmasqued honorees:
- Peggy and Terry Barcelona: In 2014, Peggy and Terry Barcelona of Greenville joined the Red Cross as volunteers to fill their newly found time after retiring from careers in law enforcement. Since joining the Red Cross, the couple has logged over 7,500 volunteer hours. Terry is a leadership volunteer in Disaster Cycle Services, a Disaster Action Team Responder, and serves on call as a Regional DAT Duty Officer, among many other roles. He deploys to disaster relief operations within South Carolina and throughout the nation, often serving as a Logistics Chief and has served over 600 days on 41 national disaster relief operations. Peggy is also a DAT responder in the Upstate and serves as a Regional DAT Duty Officer. She has also deployed to several national disaster response operations. In true team spirit, Peggy often opts to stay home while Terry deploys and picks up every one of his DAT shifts while he’s deployed.
- Tymia Green is a junior at Georgetown High School where she remains active and continues to defy all odds. Being born and living with Sickle Cell Anemia Type SS has been challenging and strenuous. She has been hospitalized over 105 times with more than 115 blood transfusions to help save her life. On top of that, she has endured 3 surgeries, a splenectomy, cholecystectomy, and knee surgery. She’s also developed Avascular Necrosis. Yet, this young lady refuses to let her disability become a barrier. With great pride and compassion, she has continued to fight for herself and others while serving as an ambassador for The American Red Cross, MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and The Children’s Miracle Network.
- Master State Trooper David Jones was awarded the highest honor bestowed by the American Red Cross: the National Lifesaving Award, Certificate of Merit. The award is presented to individuals who save or sustain a life by using skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course. The Certificate of Merit is signed by the President of the United States, who serves as the Honorary Chairman of the Red Cross. Trooper Jones was presented the Certificate of Merit at the South Carolina Department of Public Safety for his heroic act of rescuing and performing CPR on a drowning child.
- Fluor and its employees help to build a better world by giving back to the communities where they live and work around the globe. Fluor partners with the Red Cross to highlight public health and critical human needs and has been a generous supporter of the Red Cross Gala for over 25 years. Since then, the gala has raised millions of dollars in support of the Red Cross mission. Fluor Corporation’s support enables the Red Cross to continue to make an impact in our community by delivering help and hope to our neighbors in need.
Event Details:
American Red Cross 31st Annual Gala - Heroes Unmasqued Presented by Fluor & The Marsh Family
Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Hyatt Regency Greenville
To purchase tickets or learn about sponsor opportunities, please visit redcross.org/cellarauction
American Red Cross Gala Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsors: Fluor, Chris & Paula Marsh
Platinum Sponsors: Gregory Electric
Gold Sponsors: Wagner Wealth Management, New South Construction Supply, INDEXX, Yageo Group, Table 301 Restaurant Group, CHEF360 Catering, Hale’s Jewelers, AFL, The Dive
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 follow us on Twitter at @RedCrossSC.
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