The American Red Cross Serving Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo Counties held its annual Volunteer and Blood Donor Recognition on May 11, 2005 at the L.C. Walker Annex. Over 350 people attended the recognition event where several area residents were honored for their services to the American Red Cross and the community.

"Each year thousands of volunteers and blood donors serve our communities through the American Red Cross, providing the manpower, leadership, funds, and blood donations needed to sustain Red Cross services", said Frank Marczak, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "Red Cross volunteers symbolize this nation's proud spirit of volunteerism, generosity, and service to those in need."

The organization presented John Pridnia of Norton Shores with the Reese Award for Extraordinary Service and Leadership. Pridnia has been a member of the Red Cross board for the past nine years and served as Chapter Chairman. Pridnia was honored for his exceptional leadership and personal dedication to the Red Cross services and the community.

Barbara Pressley of Whitehall received the Volunteer of the Year Award. Pressley volunteers three days a week doing casework and referrals for people in need and helping residents with heating bills. She also provides emergency communications for military families facing hardship due to separation and assists with disaster related projects.

C.J. Piper of North Muskegon was given the Blood Services Award. Piper was honored for his commitment in delivering blood products to local and northern area hospitals. He also volunteers regularly on blood drives, registering blood donors and preparing them for the donation process.

The Transportation Services Award was presented to Marilyn Scott of Twin Lake. Scott was honored for her work transporting senior citizens to medical appointments and for driving patients to dialysis. Scott has been involved with the organization for the past eight years.

The Youth Services Award was given to Megan Wheeler of Laketon Township. Ms. Wheeler is a junior at Reeths Puffer High School, on the board of SADD, and a founding member of the Red Cross youth group called YouthVIEW. Wheeler has assisted with many fundraisers and special events and is a blood donor.

Don and Maryann Wallace of Twin Lake received the Disaster Services Award. The husband and wife team respond to local house fires as well as larger scale disasters, most recently Hurricane Charley. Both have worked diligently to help build the local Red Cross' response level through preparedness drills and disaster education in the community.

The Community Services Award was presented to Lorna Torgeson of Spring Lake for her outstanding service in helping to meet community needs. Torgeson prepares critical reports for funding of the Senior Transportation program. The program relies on the funding to provide rides to over 400 seniors and dialysis patients. Torgeson also serves as chairperson for the organization's Poinsettia sale, an annual fundraiser for the Red Cross.

Joetta Bigsby of Norton Shores received the Health and Safety Services Award for her volunteer work teaching lifesaving CPR and First Aid skills to hundreds of people. She also gives CPR demonstrations at area businesses and organizations and does blood pressure screenings for the Red Cross.

Recognized for 35 years of service to the organization were Phyllis Jones of Norton Shores and Shirley DeVries of North Muskegon. Ruthie Griffin of Fremont was honored for 45 years of service to the Red Cross.

Several top gallon blood donors were recognized at the event. Robert King, Thomas Linck and Robert Wickland, all of Muskegon, received recognition for 22 gallons. John R. Allen and Darryl Rose, also from Muskegon, were shown appreciation for their donation of 23 gallons. Montague resident Lyle Lipka was honored as well for reaching his 25-gallon level.

Carl Lund of Muskegon was paid special tribute for donating 28 gallons of life-saving blood, the highest current donation level in the area.

In addition, the Red Cross acknowledged those who gave blood at least six times in 2004. A healthy blood donor is eligible to safely donate blood every 8 weeks. Being a "six times per year" blood donor means that they rolled up their sleeve and gave blood every chance they could.

There were three awards given to sponsor groups for hosting outstanding blood drives during 2004. All were honored for their consistent, successful collection of blood products. The Sponsor Award for Community Group went to the Community of Fremont. Blood drives were held at various sites in the Fremont area during 2004, with 384 pints of life-saving blood being collected.

The Sponsor Award for High School was given to Oakridge High School. This group of young people held two blood drives in 2004 which produced over 125 units of blood. Their hard work and positive attitude earned the students this honor.

Brooks Correctional Facility was presented with the Sponsor Award for Business. Brooks Correctional has been a long-time supporter of the Red Cross Blood Program. Last year, they collected 161 pints of essential blood products.

The mission of the American Red Cross is to provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to life's emergencies.