The search is on for heroes

Not all heroes wear capes! Do you know an “ordinary” person, with extraordinary courage? Someone who has saved a life, helped a neighbor in need or made a difference in their community?

The American Red Cross of Wisconsin, is seeking nominations for its annual Northwest Wisconsin Heroes Breakfast, honoring individuals who have made an impact in the lives of others, through their bravery, dedication and humanitarian service.

“We’re asking for the public’s help to identify individuals and groups that are deserving of recognition for their positive impact,” said Mary Jane Thomsen, executive director of the American Red Cross Northwest Wisconsin Chapter. “Your hero could be a colleague, family member, neighbor or friend, who performed a selfless act of bravery or improved their community.”

Honorees will be selected for seven categories: Adult Good Samaritan, Youth Good Samaritan (age 18 or younger), Community Hero, From the Heart Hero, Lifetime Hero, Military Hero and Heath Care Hero. Nominees may come from any of the Red Cross Northwest Wisconsin Chapter’s 17 counties, of Chippewa, Eau Claire, Rusk Taylor, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Clark, Dunn, Jackson, Pierce, Pepin, Polk, Price, Sawyer, St. Croix and Washburn.

Heroes are nominated by the public and are chosen by an awards selection committee, comprised of local community leaders. Honorees are selected, based on the degree to which their actions uphold the values of the Red Cross humanitarian mission, and leave a lasting and positive impact on the community.

This year’s award recipients will be honored at the Northwest Wisconsin Heroes Breakfast, Thursday, March 14, 2024, at The Florian Gardens Conference Center in Eau Claire.

If you know of a local hero, in northwest Wisconsin, nominate them to be recognized, by filling out an online form at redcross. org. Nominations are due by Sunday, Dec. 31.

For more information or to request a hard copy of the nomination form, email MaryJane.Thomsen@redcross.org.