"More than half a million people in 22 towns rely on the Tri-County Red Cross to be there when disaster strikes, ready and able to respond," said Tri-County Red Cross Executive Director Nathan Rudy. "Without people like our 2009 class of HEROES we would not be able to deliver, and I am proud to honor them at our Gala."
The 2009 Class of Honorees are as follows:
Honoree | Representing | Business/Community |
Marie Bradley | Lifetime HERO | Green Brook |
Joe Burris | Community Supporter | Sleepy Hollow Realtors, Plainfield |
Zenon Christodolou | Local Business | Creative Color, Garwood |
Joseph Czarnecki | Local Disaster Volunteer | Westfield |
Shally Madhok | Youth Volunteer | Edison |
Colleen Mahr | Government | Mayor, Fanwood |
Pablo Munoz | Blood Services | Superintendent, Elizabeth Schools |
Chuck Sweetman | National Disaster Volunteer | Rahway |
Tim Williams | Corporate Support | Elizabethtown Gas, Union |
Tickets are $175 per person, $300 per couple!
The Gala, held at the Westwood on North Avenue in Garwood on the evening of April 25, will not be a traditional affair, but a casual lounge like atmosphere with mood lighting, soft seating, food stations, and Latin music provided by the famous Ray Rodriguez y Swing Sabroso. There will be a silent auction, but no presentations or long speeches.
Honorees will be presented at the April 25th Gala to guests via an "ambassador" to allow for individual conversations and the opportunity to answer any questions. Seating will be open and diverse ranging from tall bar tables to couches and lounge chairs, allowing for a natural flow of people around the event. All attendees are encouraged to mingle, interact in a very informal and casual atmosphere. There will be a silent auction as well as dancing complete with salsa dancing lessons.
Tickets for the gala, sponsorships and ad book entries can be purchased online at http://www.tricountyredcross.org/gala or by contacting Corinna Krauskopf at (908) 756-6414 or krauskopfc@usa.redcross.org.









