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 The St. Charles County Red Cross Service Center organization showed its volunteers on Friday how much it appreciates them.
The organization conducted a luncheon at Stegton Regency Conference and Banquet Center to thank about 200 volunteers with public recognition and plaques.
“Mother told me that I’d be judged by the company I keep, and she should be proud of me today,” said Joseph C. White, chief executive officer of the St. Louis Area Chapter and the luncheon’s guest speaker.
He compared volunteers to electricity.
“Like electricity, we are so accustomed to having it that we assume it will always be there,” White said. “When blood is needed, we assume it’s ready.
“You are indeed electrifying,” White said to the volunteers.
Longtime volunteer Jeanette Wappelhorst, of St. Charles, attended with friends who also work in the bloodmobile. She said she started volunteering for the Red Cross 28 years ago as a member of the North Side Homemakers Extension Club.
Two new chapter board members from St. Charles County, Dawn Lissner and Ann Hazelwood, were honored. The Suburban Journals received a Good Neighbor award, publisher Amie Stein accepting.
Lindenwood University and Francis Howell School District and the Howell Foundation shared the Community Cares award. Lindenwood was the first in St. Louis to incorporate online learning for CPR and first aid. The district and foundation purchased automatic external defibrillators and placed them throughout the district.
CitiGroup won the Partners in Caring award for promoting volunteerism at its complex.
Jason Zytko, manager of Chili’s Grill and Bar, saved the life of a choking patron, which earned Chili’s one of three Good Neighbor awards.
Ann Hazelwood of Patches, Etc. also won a Good Neighbor award for donating quilts for raffles to benefit the Red Cross.
The Blood Services award was given to three people who exemplify a commitment to improve the blood supply. They are Ruth Niemer, and Ed and Georgina Meinhardt.
Hester Menier and Al Barnett each won a Health and Safety award, an honor for class instructors.
The New Outstanding Volunteer award was presented to four people who have improved services even though they have served for less than a year. They are Michelle Pegg, Connie Moore, and Lloyd and Barbara Hawkins.
John Stamelos, Dawn Lissner, and Bob Murphy all received a Humanitarian Service award for providing assistance and expertise when needed.
Five people received the Disaster Services award, which is presented to a disaster volunteer who has responded to the immediate needs of disaster victims to help them recover as quickly as possible. Recipients are Ivan Smallen, Susan Conner, Tammy Green, Brian Kratky, and Bev Relford.
To recognize continued outstanding volunteer commitment, Kerry McBee received the Honorary Service award.
Lavon Gilliland got the Meritorious Service award as the volunteer who has had the most profound impact on the St. Charles County Service Center and the Red Cross programs and services.
Finally, third-grader Megan Bammann, who attends Henderson Elementary School in the Francis Howell School District, received a certificate as a Special Recognition award. Megan created a book illustrating the impact of Red Cross Community Disaster Education Presentations. The book is called “Cool Cat Coconuts.”
After volunteer plaques, table sponsors also received plaques and door prizes were given.
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