Heartland Heroes

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. You might work with a hero, or meet one on the street.  Our community is blessed with ordinary citizens who do extraordinary things each and every day. 

The Mid Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross is honoring these everyday heroes, ordinary citizens who have done extraordinary things, at the 2012 Heartland Heroes awards dinner (get tickets here). The evening is focused on recognizing everyday heroes who highlight the Red Cross mission of making our community a healthier and safer place to work and live. 
Join us for the 2012 Heartland Heroes awards dinner on Friday, April 20 at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Along with a plated dinner and wine provided by Neimerg Family Winery, guests will enjoy a video of each winner’s story and amazing local citizens will be bestowed the honor of 2012 Heartland Heroes.  

Debi Meeds, CEO of the Greater Ozark Chapter of the American Red Cross, will be our keynote speaker (see below). 

The following categories and individuals will be awarded:

• Young Courage Award – Larrissa and Hannah Steffen of Moweaqua who saved their mother and potential by-standers when they brought their mother’s vehicle to a stop when she became unresponsive behind the wheel. 
• Young Courage Award – Mason Rickman of Mt Zion who dialed 911 after his mother became unresponsive. 
• Citizenship Award – Bethany Mrosko of Decatur who coordinated a mobile pack event for Feed My Starving Children. 
• Citizenship Award – Don Niehart of Effingham who organized  the Central Illinois Honor Flight. 
• Valor Award – Christine Matlock of Shelbyville who  stayed with a trapped teenager in a SUV rollover. 
• Everyday Hero Award – Colton Beams, Cody Weaver, Donald DJ Hart, Bill Fornshell of Decatur and Atwood who saved a family from a burning house. 
• Senior Award – Betty Gaumer of Decatur who founded and still organizes Operation Enduring Support.
  
• In Memoriam Award – Caleb Witty of Decatur who lost his life protecting his sister.

Tickets for this event are $50 each and include wine and a plated dinner.  Tables of eight can be purchased for $350.  For more information on the event or to purchase tickets call 217.428.7758 or get tickets here.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.
 

Visit the websites of our Heartland Heroes sponsors:

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER: Debi Meeds is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Southern Missouri Region, covering 40 counties in southern Missouri. She has served in many positions throughout her 20 years as a Red Cross employee and has responded to many disasters. On May 22, this year, she was on-scene and opened the Red Cross shelter in Joplin just hours after the devastating tornado passed. She is Co-Chair of the Long Term Recovery Committee in Joplin, serves on the Missouri VOAD and is Co-chair of the Governor’s Partnership.