In Case You Missed It - Apr 24

Celebrating volunteers at the Greater NY Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 89 adults and 37 children following 49 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of those who lost loved ones to a tragic fire in Queens Village on Sunday. The Red Cross was on the scene to support affected families, neighbors and first responders.
• Bright and early Saturday morning, Red Cross Metro NY North board members, Hunter College students, and Red Cross disaster responders installed 139 smoke alarms in White Plains as part of the Home Fire Preparedness campaign. Thanks to all for helping make our communities safer. 
• On Friday, rockstar Greater NY Red Cross instructor Lipica Shah talks backstage at the Dr. Oz Show about her upcoming CPR/AED segments. The segments aired Monday, April 24. 
• Also on Friday, the Long Island Herald published an article highlighting the good work of the Home Fire Preparedness campaign helping to make communities safer by installing free smoke alarms. 
• The Staten Island NFP Association also gave thanks to the Red Cross for helping to prepare local communities thought our outreach presentations. 
• On Thursday, our wonderful community partners Tzu Chi posted this video about receiving the Red Cross Good Neighbor Award and the strength of collaboration. 
• On Wednesday, the Greater New York Red Cross held its annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony celebrating our many wonderful volunteers who make a difference in the community every single day. 
• Special thanks to our partners at Rallye Motors for hosting a party celebrating our centennial of service to Long Island! 
• More than a week later, the Red Cross and other City agencies continue to assist residents affected by the 5-alarm fire in Queens (April 11). This Queens Chronicle feature highlights this on-going support.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Apr 26, May 1: Red Cross blood drive: 2 to 7pm: 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today. 
• April 26: Help Families in Need for Red Cross Giving Day. 
• April 26: Metro NY North Red Cross and Texas de Brazil have teamed up for a great event. Enjoy acclaimed Bodegas Salentein wines and an exceptional menu of appetizers crafted by Texas de Brazil. A donation of $30 from each ticket will benefit American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces. 
• April 29: The Red Cross has begun the countdown to our Red & White Ball 2017! Join us to celebrate J.R. Martinez, NetJets and the Heroes of the Paris Train Attacks. 
• April 29: Spin for a cause! Join the Red Cross Young Patrons for a Charity Spin Class at SWERVE Fitness Flatiron 
• May 6: Want to become a part of the Red Cross Movement and help change the world one community at a time? Register to attend our volunteer orientation in Manhattan or in Goshen and learn about the many ways you can impact your community and make new friends by volunteering with the American Red Cross.

In Case You Missed It - April 17th

Red Cross provided relief to 100+ families displaced by Tuesday's 5-alarm fire in Elmhurst, Queens.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 353 adults and 89 children following 65 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below). 

Last Week in Review  

• On Saturday, volunteers from the Greater New York region devoted their day to installing smoke alarms in the Bronx as part of the #GetAlarmedNYC campaign.
• On Friday, the Red Cross continued helping those impacted by the 5-alarm fire in Elmhurst, Queens. At the service center set up in response to the fire, volunteers provided care for 100+ families who have been displaced.
• Also on Friday, The Long Island Red Cross celebrated our national partnership with the Harlem Globetrotters at Nassau Coliseum. Volunteers encouraged attendees to #RedCrossPasstheBucket and donate during halftime.
• On Thursday, the Long Island Red Cross continued their countdown towards the June Centennial Celebration, commemorating 100 years of Red Cross service on Long Island.
• On Tuesday, several Red Cross teams worked through the night to aid local residents affected by a 5-alarm fire in Elmhurst Queens.
• On Monday, we posted highlights on our blog from the Red Cross Volunteer Recognition Events for both Metro New York North and Long Island Chapters. One of the awards was the Pet Therapy Award, which went to Susan Henson and Douglas, her faithful black Lab therapy dog.
• Don't let severe weather catch you by surprise. The Weather Channel's Weather Red Report covers how you can prepare for emergencies at home.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities 

• April 17, 19: Red Cross blood drive: 2 to 7pm: 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• April 17, 22: Want to become a part of the Red Cross Movement and help change the world one community at a time? Register to attend our volunteer orientation and learn about the many ways you can impact your community and make new friends by volunteering with the American Red Cross. 
• April 19: The Greater New York Red Cross will be holding its annual Volunteer Recognition Event here at headquarters in Hell’s Kitchen. 
• April 26: Help families in need on Red Cross Giving Day
• April 26: Red Cross Metro NY and Texas de Brazil have teamed up for a great event. Enjoy acclaimed Bodegas Salentein wines and an exceptional menu of appetizers crafted by Texas de Brazil. A donation of $30 from each ticket will benefit American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces.
• April 29: Red Cross NY has begun the countdown for Red and White Ball 2017! Join us to celebrate J.R. Martinez, NetJets and the Heroes of the Paris Train Attacks.
• April 29: Spin for a cause! Join the Red Cross Young Patrons for a Charity Spin Class at SWERVE Fitness Flatiron

In Case You Missed It - Apr 10

Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone kicked off the LI Red Cross Centennial Celebration in Hauppauge.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 110 adults and 40 children following 50 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• On Friday, Long Island Red Cross volunteers participated in the Girls Inc Empowerment Conference at West Middle School in Brentwood.
• Also on Friday The Huffington Post published a women in business Q & A featuring Lisa J Donahue, a Managing Director at AlixPartners and an American Red Cross in Greater New York board member. 
• On Thursday, The Week Magazine published an article about women in World War I, which included anecdotes on volunteerism and the Red Cross. 
• Later that evening Greenwich Young Patrons for The American Red Cross held a kickoff soirée at L'Escale. 
• Earlier in the week, the Long Island Red Cross congratulated board member Matt Thompson for his #KingsOfLongIsland award. 
• Our CEO Josh Lockwood thanked Mastercard partners for including Greater NY Red Cross in the Women in the World Summit.
• Early Wednesday morning in Brentwood, Long Island Red Cross volunteers aided 3 families after a raging home fire.
• The Brookhaven Free Library on Long Island hosted a ceremony for newly certified American Red Cross Babysitters. 
• On Tuesday, Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone kicked off the LI Red Cross Centennial Celebration at an event in Hauppauge.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Apr 12, 14 & 17: Red Cross blood drive: 2 to 7pm: 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today. 
• Apr 15: #GetAlarmedNYC is coming to the Belmont and East Tremont sections of the Bronx to help make the community safer one home at a time. Volunteer to help out, or sign up to get a free smoke alarm installed in your home. 
• Apr 17, 22: Want to become a part of the Red Cross Movement and help change the world one community at a time? Register to attend our volunteer orientation and learn about the many ways you can impact your community and make new friends by volunteering with the American Red Cross. 
• Apr 19: The Greater New York Red Cross will be holding its annual Volunteer Recognition Event here at headquarters in Hell’s Kitchen. 
• Apr 29: Red Cross NY has begun the countdown for Red & White Ball 2017! Join us on April 29th to celebrate J,R, Martinez, NetJets and the Heroes of the Paris Train Attacks.

Long Island Celebrates its Volunteers

On Saturday, March 11, more than 100 Long Island Red Crossers gathered at our annual Volunteer Recognition Breakfast. The event celebrated the selfless commitment of our 1000 volunteers in Long Island and recognized 13 volunteers/partner organizations from across Nassau and Suffolk Counties for their dedication.

See the award winners listed below and click here for photos from the event.

Support Services Award

Marie Rinckey, Peter King, and Anthony Cervini (not pictured)

Service to the Armed Forces Award

Mozelle McQuade (not pictured)

Leadership Award

Linda Krilov

Home Fire Campaign Award

Lori-Ann Pizzareli


 Community Preparedness Award

Margaret Sukhram


 Emerging Leader Award

Lori Fontana


 Disaster Cycle Services Award

Roy Burnham


Good Neighbor Award

Health and Welfare Council of Long Island


 Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership

Sal Montoro


Corporate Partnership Award

PSEG Long Island


The Mr. and Mrs. Henry Davison Memorial Award

Craig Cooper


Outstanding Red Cross High School Club Award

Manhasset High School


International Services Award

Christophe Lobry-Boulanger

Metro New York North Celebrates Volunteers

On March 4th 2017, our Metro NY North Chapter kicked off Red Cross Month by recognizing the wonderful efforts of volunteers throughout the area. Our annual Volunteer Recognition Event honored those who have displayed an outstanding commitment to the Red Cross mission. Of those in attendance, more than 15 volunteers/partner organizations were recognized for their selfless contributions.

See our award winners below and click here for photos from the event. 

Disaster Health Services Award

Eli Russ


Disaster Mental Health Award
Desire Diaz (not pictured) 





The Blood Services Award
Norman Krieger


Disaster Cycle Service Award
Michael Heyert



Home Fire Award



Dennis Colin

Community Preparedness Award

Rick and Nancy Stein

The Support Services Award

Maryann Russello

The Good Neighbor Award

Anthem, Inc.

The Corporate Partnership Award

Nestle Waters

Preparedness Health and Safety Award

Madeline Liongson

Emerging Leader Award

Lori Galen

Gene Malkis Tribute Award 

The Malkis Family


Service to the Armed Forces Award

Liz Clark

The American Red Cross Pet Therapy Award

Susan Henson (left) and Douglas

Leadership Award

Debora Bausenwein

Katherine Knapp Award

Tom Garnett

The Clara Barton Volunteer Leadership Award

JJ Finn



Four-Legged Red Cross Volunteer and Handler Win Pet Therapy Award

Winners at the Metro NY North Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony include 
Susan Henson and Douglas, winners of the Pet Therapy Award

On March 4, 2017, more than 15 volunteers from Metro New York North were honored for their extraordinary dedication, talent and enthusiasm for the Red Cross mission during the past year. One of the awards was the Pet Therapy Award which went to Susan Henson and Douglas, her faithful black Lab therapy dog.

Judy Audevard, President of Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause, presented the 
Pet Therapy Award to Susan Henson and Douglas

Therapy dogs provide affection and comfort to people but are not limited to people with disabilities. Unlike Service dogs which are trained to perform specific tasks for their owners who have a disability such as blindness or paralysis, Therapy dogs go with their owners to volunteer at hospitals, assisted-living or retirement homes, nursing homes, VA facilities, schools, etc.

The most important characteristic of a therapy dog is its temperament. Therapy dogs are friendly, gentle, patient and enjoy human contact. They provide unconditional love to anyone in need and they have a reputation for decreasing anxiety from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), help decrease depression and lonliness, and typically generate a comforting sense of well-being.

Susan Henson was known in Rockland County and the Hudson Valley as a therapy dog handler when she was contacted by Judy Audevard in 2011. Judy, the President of Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause, had been invited by the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to visit their Warrior Transition Unit which served soldiers returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Judy was looking for volunteers to visit the soldiers at West Point who were being treated for a variety of physical and mental disabilities, including PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. Susan immediately accepted the invitation.

After being certified as an official Red Cross Volunteer, Susan began visiting the Warrior Transition Unit. Susan’s first visit to the Unit took place on a large open terrace where a half dozen soldiers were invited to meet her and Darla, one of her two Labs. Initially, the soldiers were reluctant to meet the dog. Susan thought the visit was going to be a failure. Finally, one soldier agreed to say “hello” and the rest is history. Darla approached the soldier and began wagging her tail and lifted her head to be petted. Immediately, the soldier flashed a smile and a friendship was born. Soon other soldiers joined in and began asking Susan questions about Darla and opening up about themselves. Some admitted how much they missed their own dogs.

Said Susan, “What’s amazing to me is the change a therapy dog can bring about in the face of loss or tragedy. Simply by being there and showing affection by nudging someone’s hand, a dog can have a dramatic impact on a person’s life”.

Soon Susan and a team of six or seven dogs and their handlers were making weekly visits to West Point. The news spread and the soldiers began looking forward to their visits and even brought treats and toys for the dog. Subsequently, Susan and her team also participated in other programs at West Point including the Paws for Kids Program and the West Point Elementary School “READ” Program which Judy Audevard initiated.

Meanwhile, Susan became a registered Tester/Observer for the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, a national therapy dog registry, where she helps train and register therapy dogs and their handlers throughout Rockland County and the Hudson Valley. Susan is also an active advocate for recruiting therapy dogs and their handlers to make visits where requested throughout the region.

Asked why she volunteers, Susan said: “As a Red Cross Volunteer and a therapy dog handler, I've seen a lot of ‘firsts’. I've seen a therapy dog bring a smile to the face of a soldier for the first time in years; I've seen an autistic child speak for the first time in months; I've seen a 96 year-old woman in a nursing home cross a room to say ‘hello’ to a dog with a wagging tail; I've seen the joy a therapy dog can bring to loney people in desparate need of affection. That's why I do what I do”.

Thank you, Susan and Douglas for the work you do and the joy you bring to those in need!


To become a Red Cross Volunteer, visit www.RedCross.org/volunteer

In Case You Missed It - Apr 3

Congressman Hakeem Jeffries speaking at the 2nd Annual Disaster Summit.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 90 adults and 8 children following 39 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• Over the weekend, Greater NY Red Cross CEO Josh Lockwood was presented with the game ball during the Harlem Globetrotters game at the Barclays Center to benefit local disaster relief. The American Red Cross is the official charity of the Harlem Globetrotters 2017 World Tour! 
• From Thursday to Sunday, hundreds of Red Cross volunteers gathered to train and prepare during our 2nd Annual Disaster Summit hosted at our Regional Headquarters.Congressman Hakeem Jeffries delivered a rousing keynote speech to closeout Day 2 of the #DisasterReadySummit. 
•  As another #RedCrossMonth draws to a close, we posted a video on the history of the Red Cross and our ongoing humanitarian mission at home and abroad.
• On Wednesday we posted a behind the scenes blog post at the logistics in place to support the Greater New York Region.
• In celebration of #RedCrossMonth we saw Metro NY North support from county executives Orange County and Putnam County.
• On Monday, volunteers from the Long Island Red Cross distributed information at the 2nd Annual Islip Library Volunteer Fair.
• We started this week with reminders of two incredible women who served the Red Cross in honor of Women's History Month: Malvina Hoffman and Clara Barton

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• April 3, 4, 6: Red Cross blood drive: 2 to 7pm; 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Apr 3: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Class explores the history of the Movement from its inception with the ICRC in 1863 through to the three components of the Movement today.
• April 4: There will be a ceremonial flag raising in Hauppauge in honor of the Centennial Year of the Long Island Red Cross.
• April 7: Red Cross blood drive: 12 to 5pm; Hunter College West Building, 695 Park Avenue, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• April 8: Every eight minutes, the American Red Cross brings help and hope to people in need, thanks to heroes like you. Join us for a FREE orientation and learn how you can uncover your Inner Hero by joining our volunteer team.