It seemed fitting that the Red Cross of Northeast Massachusetts 12th Annual Heroes Breakfast was held on the spring equinox. Just a few hours before spring officially began, over 500 people gathered at the Doubletree by Hilton Boston North Shore in Danvers to honor individuals and organizations whose kindness and bravery shone over the last year.
Host and emcee Sue Tabb welcomed the crowd and saluted the half million nationwide Red Cross staff and volunteers who have impacted the communities they serve. Attention turned to the individuals and organizations being honored. Tears and cheers followed as attendees gave standing ovations to the activists, healers, educators, volunteers, and health care providers whom the Red Cross celebrated for their service in 33 cities and towns of Essex County.
From the youngest recipient, Bailee Militello, recognized for launching a lemonade stand that raised $1,000 to buy toys and gifts for young victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, to the dozen volunteers that helped out at the finish line, to a special teacher remembered for lighting up the lives of everyone she encountered—the stories of North Shore heroes touched everyone in attendance.
2014 North Shore Heroes:
Brian Gonsalves of Atlantic Ambulance Service was honored as a Community Hero for his role in working with Peabody Schools to create emergency access plans.
Herman Ocasio, another Community Hero, spearheaded the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive that gave 4,000 Haverhill families ingredients for turkey dinners.
Fashion maven and Community Hero Jeanne Hennessey was honored for organizing fundraisers for local charities.
School nurse Joanne Seaman was recognized as an Education Hero for enhancing the lives of her Manchester students through endless acts of kindness and compassion, especially in caring for those with special medical needs.
In memory of Colleen Ritzer, her family accepted an Education Hero award honoring her deep commitment to education.
Twelve “Mission into Action Heroes” were recognized for their role in the Boston Marathon. The North Shore Response team included Beverly Fire Department deputy Peter O’Connor, Lt. Eric Fowler, Lt. Ryan W. Laracy, Lt. Mathew J. Kowalski, Lt. Donald Philpot, firefighter Michael Halloran, firefighter Jonathan M. Palm, firefighter Scott A. Perkins, nurse Jonelle O’Connor, Salem Fire Department captain Dennis Levasseur, volunteer Kathy LeClair, and eight-year-old Bailee Militello.
Civic activist and board member of Harborlight Community Partners, Inc., Neiland Douglas was lauded as an Enduring Hero for his myriad community contributions, most notably his role in helping people find shelter on the North Shore.
Dr. Douglas Peterson, an Afghanistan veteran, was presented with the Military Hero award for his years of dedicated service and humanitarian efforts.
NxStage Medical, Inc. was named Workplace Hero for its outstanding community leading community projects to help the disadvantaged.
Newburyport High School student Lauren Healy was honored with a Youth Hero award and received a special commendation from the Mayor for her work as an environmental activist.
Event highlights included inspirational words from special presenters Joanne Holbrook Patton—a 2003 Enduring Hero recipient—and Carlos Arrendondo, who famously assisted Jeff Bauman when he lost both his legs after the marathon bombing. And WCVB-TV meteorologist Cindy Fitzgibbons shared some notable weather statistics and fittingly gave a nod to the American Red Cross for its support in helping victims of natural disasters.