Know a Superhero? Local Red Cross Seeks Public’s Help to Recognize Hometown Heroes

Not all heroes wear capes – some live and work among us daily. 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?

If so, the American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties needs your help! If you know a local hero, the Red Cross wants you to nominate them for recognition at the organization’s 22nd Annual Real Heroes Awards.

“Each year at our Real Heroes Awards we recognize people and organizations for acts of courage and community impact,” says Sean Mahoney, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross Southern California Region. “As we seek nominations for this year’s event, we need the public’s help to identify hometown heroes we can celebrate for their contributions.”

Nominating a hero is free and can be done easily online. Nominations are due by Friday, July 19.

For more information on nomination guidelines or to submit a nomination, visit redcross.org/sandiego/realheroes.

“Your hero could be a colleague, family member, neighbor, friend, or an organization,” says Mahoney. “If you know a local hero, we encourage you to nominate them to be recognized at our Real Heroes Awards.”

Honorees will be celebrated across eight categories: Animal Welfare Hero, Corporate Hero, Disaster Services Hero, First Responder Hero, Gift of Life Hero, Good Samaritan Hero, Service to the Armed Forces Hero, and Youth Hero.

Now celebrating its 22nd year in the community, the Real Heroes Awards celebrates people and organizations making a positive impact in San Diego and Imperial Counties through their courage, compassion, and community leadership. Since the event’s inception, hundreds of local heroes have been recognized. This year’s award recipients will be honored during the event on Friday, Sept. 27 aboard the USS Midway Museum.

Heroes are nominated by the public and are chosen by an awards selection committee. 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.

For more information about the American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties, please visit redcross.org/SoCal.