Barbara Alexander, Greater Chattanooga Area American Red Cross CEOEach year, the Red Cross Hometown Heroes luncheon honors five local heroes who have had an extraordinary impact on the community or have demonstrated the values of courage, character, humanity or personal initiative.
Nominations are made by the community, and finalists will be selected to attend the luncheon on Tuesday, March 20, at the Chattanooga Convention Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"The Hometown Heroes Luncheon is an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of humanitarianism by honoring the everyday heroes of the Greater Chattanooga Area," said Barbara Alexander, Greater Chattanooga Area American Red Cross CEO.
"When tornadoes ripped through our area on April 27, the community rose to the occasion, whether it was the incredible comfort and care provided by our disaster volunteers, the hard work of our partner agencies, or the donations that poured in, the residents of this area responded," she said. "We know there are many individuals who have wonderful stories to tell about the heroes who touched their lives, and we look forward to recognizing them."
Nominees should fall into one of the following categories:
• Good Samaritan, youth (18 and younger);
• Good Samaritan, adult;
• Red Cross volunteer-hospital;
• Red Cross volunteer-disaster;
• First responder.
Nomination forms and guidelines are available online at www.chattanooga redcross/heroes.
The keynote speakers for the fifth annual Red Cross Hometown Heroes luncheon are Jeff Skiles, co-pilot of "Miracle on the Hudson" US Airways Flight 1549, and Dave Sanderson, the last passenger to leave the aircraft.
Proceeds from the luncheon will help the Red Cross provide services in the greater Chattanooga area, including emergency assistance for victims of home fires and other natural disasters, health and safety training and assistance to military families in crisis.