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RIDE for the RED!

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On Thursday, June 21, 2007, the Branch/Calhoun County American Red Cross honored 11 community members for going above and beyond to help save the lives of others. These "Heroes" stepped up and did what others may not, without being asked. If you were to see them on the street, they would tell you they are not heroes and they only did what needed to be done. Chuck Asher stated, "I am not a hero, I just did what anyone would do." when told of his selection for the Emergency Response Award. It is great to know these people are within our own community. The Branch/Calhoun County American Red Cross would like to say "Thank You" to all the heroes honored. By going above and beyond, they have all made a difference in the lives of others within the community and exemplify the mission of the American Red Cross which is "Prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies."

A special thanks also to the sponsors who helped to make the event a reality:
State Farm Insurance, DENSO Michigan Manufacturing, Inc., Battle Creek Health System, Battle Creek Rotary, Allegra Print and Imaging, Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek, Art Angood, 5/3rd Bank, Battle Creek Area Chapter of Credit Unions, DND Investments, Neil Bueker, D.D.S., Optimist Club of Battle Creek, Advance Auto Parts, BC Orthodontics, Team 1 Michigan, Asama Coldwater Manufacturing, Calhoun County State Farm Agents: Ernest Lahusky, Jeff Kiessling, John Chmiel, Denise Sheeders, Paul Clark, Randy Gorham, Marilynn Scullion, and Mark Putvin, Joni Hatch, and the Buchholz–Rouscher Family.

Award recipients for the 2007 American Red Cross Everyday Heroes:

Law Enforcement Award:
Michigan State Police Troopers Steven Lamb and Gerald Yott: In response to a one vehicle rollover accident, these Michigan State Police Troopers discovered one female trapped inside the front seat of an SUV. The vehicle was ablaze and the legs of the female were burning. Troopers reached the woman through the rear cargo area and pulled her to safety before the vehicle became fully engulfed. The troopers also assisted the other three occupants of the vehicle. All four occupants were taken to Bronson Hospital for treatment.

	Emergency Response Award: Chuck Asher: There was a woman swimming in Lake Michigan, at South Haven′s South Beach. Chuck Asher and his wife heard there was a woman struggling in the water near the pier. Chuck and another man tried to reach the woman with a T-Shirt. The T-shirt was not long enough. The woman was losing strength quickly from fighting waves that were throwing her up against the pier and dragging her underwater. Chuck, an off duty Battle Creek firefighter was able to bring the woman to safety.
	Adult Good Samaritan Award: Jeff Woodman: While having dinner with friends, one woman started to choke on a piece of meat. She began choking and panicked. Jeff lifted the table out of the way and made room for her to get up. She began to turn blue. Jeff performed the Heimlich maneuver three times before the food was dislodged and the friend could breathe again.
	Fire Award: Jessica Bates: Jessica, an Albion resident, was 7 ½ months pregnant with twins when she ran into a burning house to help someone in need. She heard someone scream that their hair was on fire. Jessica rushed out of the house to the apartment across the street, where she saw flames through a window. The apartment belonged to her paralyzed neighbor who is wheelchair bound. She pulled the neighbor from the burning home and then banged on her neighbor′s doors to tell them to exit their apartments due to the fire.
	Youth Good Samaritan Award: Brian Cancino: Brian, a Coldwater High School student, was a passenger on a boat with a friend at Lake George in Indiana. The friend stopped the boat and jumped into the water for a swim. At some point he began to struggle and called to the young people on the boat for help. Brian jumped in and swam to the gentleman who indicated to Brian that his leg was caught on something. Brian dove down to investigate, but was unable to find anything. According to another youth on the boat, Brian struggled to get the man back to the boat for several minutes before both became exhausted and the man slipped under the water for good. Brian stayed at the spot where the man went down, treading water, in order to mark the spot when additional help arrived.
	911 Award: Nickolas Sexton: In December, Nickolas′ younger brother was taking a nap when he passed away unexpectedly. Nickolas, a Harper Creek Middle School student, called 911 and provided all of the pertinent information to authorities. This included directing authorities to his home as they were having trouble locating the residence.
	Team Good Samaritan Award: Greg Polnasek: Greg, Albion College football coach, was at a football convention and saved the life of a fellow football coach who had gone into cardiac arrest. Greg and another coach administered CPR and kept the victim alive until EMS arrived. The victim survived and is in good health today. Greg has been trained by the American Red Cross in CPR.
	Community Partner Award: Fire Inspector Ralph Britton: Inspector Britton has been instrumental in growing the partnership between the ARC and the fire department. Collaborating with the chapter on emergency response and notifying the chapter when there is a need within the community for American Red Cross assistance.

Law Enforcement Award Honorable Mention:
Battle Creek Police Officer Robert Miller

Adult Good Samaritan Award Honorable Mention:
Coldwater resident Linda Bowers

Red Cross Supporter's:
Battle Creek Health Systems – Battle Creek Rotary – Allegra Print and Imaging –
Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek  

Red Cross Friends:
Fifth Third Bank – Art Angood  

Red Cross Buddies:
DND Investments – Neil Bueker DDS – Optimist Club of Battle Creek

Red Cross Pals:
Battle Creek Orthodontics
Team One Michigan
Asama Coldwater Manufacturing
Calhoun County State Farm Agents: Ernest Lahusky, Jeff Kiessling, John Chmiel, Denise Sheeders, Paul Clark, Randy Gorham, Marilynn Scullion, and Mark Putvin
Joni Hatch
Buchholz-Rouscher Family

You too can become a sponsor for this event, please contact us at: 269–962–7528 for further information.

Gold Cross Sponsor –– $5,000 - and up
One sponsorship available

• Welcoming remarks at Hero dinner
• Full two page centerfold ad in commemorative program
• Opportunity to display corporate banner at event
• Opportunity to serve on planning committee
• Logo recognition in Hero video
• Two corporate tables of 6 guests with preferred seating
• Recognition in all promotional activities
• Framed certificate

• Opportunity for presentation of award to your sponsored hero
• Company logo on full page hero ad in commemorative program
• Opportunity to display corporate banner at event
• Recognition in all promotional activities
• Corporate table of 6 guests with preferred seating
• Logo recognition in Hero video to be shown at event
• Framed certificate

Bronze Cross Sponsor –– $1,500 - $2,499
Unlimited sponsorship available

• Company logo on ½ page ad in commemorative program
• Recognition for sponsorship in local media
• 4 tickets to the event
• Name recognition in Hero video
• Framed certificate

• Company logo on ¼ page ad in commemorative program
• Recognition for sponsorship in local media
• 4 tickets to the event
• Framed certificate

• Company logo on 1/8 page ad in commemorative program
• Recognition for sponsorship in local media
• 2 tickets to the event
• Framed certificate

• 1/12 page ad in commemorative program
• 2 tickets to the event
• Framed certificate

• Name recognition in commemorative program
• 1 ticket to the event
• Certificate of Appreciation

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