Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross held their annual meeting and banquet Thursday to recognize volunteers in 2005.
In addition to volunteer awards, all volunteers who assisted with hurricane relief were recognized and a check was presented to the local chapter from the estate of the late Bob Richmond. Jill DeBatty, chairman of the board, was the master of ceremonies.
Chapter volunteer awards were presented to: Sharon Clay, blood services volunteer; Rachel Ganter, health and safety services volunteer; Randy Schmucker, disaster services volunteer; Stephen Prater, youth volunteer of the year; Sharon Justice, chapter volunteer of the year; and Neva Gross, chapter volunteer lifetime achievement award.
All volunteers who assisted with 2005 hurricane relief were recognized with special certificates and commemorative pins. Larry Peppel, executive director of the local chapter, spoke of the hurricane disasters last year. He said, "Like all chapters, we were directed to begin raising funds, and we encouraged and ask people to volunteer to take training and serve in hurricane-ravaged areas. The community responded generously by donating $160,000 directly to the local chapter. Area people also responded to the need for volunteers. More than 117 were trained for disaster relief, and more than 60 were sent to the hurricane areas."
Peggy Michel, Lake City Bank, presented a check for $19,267.43 from the late Bob Richmond's estate to the Kosciusko County Chapter. Peppel provided information on Richmond's life and read the composition "My America," written by Richmond, which related his experiences in World War II and throughout his life to people and locations in the Kosciusko County area.
During the business meeting, the secretary's and treasurer's reports were presented and officers for 2006 were elected as follows: Debatty, chairperson; Kevin Weaver, vice chairperson; Mike Suhany, secretary; and Burton Ramsey, treasurer. Other board members include: Julie Bowers, David Colquitt, Gretchen Moore, Debra Musser, Karen Nelson, Sandra Parra, Ann Sweet, Wayne Walston and Warren.
The meeting closed with recognition of the chapter staff: Larry E. Peppel, executive director; Carol Stanton, director of program services; Ivana Goodrich, administrative assistant; Danny Warrick, disaster action team chair; Bree Griffith, instructor trainer; and Steven Zorn, course instructor.
For more information on the local chapter or serving as a volunteer, visit the office at 320 N. Buffalo St., Warsaw, call 574-267-5244 or 888-267-5244, e-mail arckosco@kconline.com or visit the Web site www.koscoredcross.org
