The 22nd Annual Red Cross Heroes Breakfast took place May 14 at the Hilton Chicago, drawing more than 800 attendees to honor local heroes and support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross.
The event raised an impressive $1.639 million, bolstered by significant contributions from corporate sponsors and generous individuals. This achievement was further amplified by the Inspiring Action matching grant, sponsored by the Make It Better Foundation, Edwardson Family Foundation, and Patrick M. and Jennifer Gallagher, which matched donations up to $110,000.
The funds raised go directly towards the Red Cross’s mission of alleviating human suffering and providing immediate relief where needed most.
Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross
CBS 2 Chicago’s Joe Donlon and Irika Sargent served as the engaging emcees for the occasion. Red Cross of Illinois CEO Celena Sarillo also addressed the room filled with community stakeholders.
Brett Hart, President of United, was honored with the 2024 Heritage Award for his outstanding contributions to the community, presented by Christine Leahy, Chair, President, and CEO of CDW Corporation, who served as the event’s honorary chair.
The breakfast recognized the 2024 Class of Heroes, whose extraordinary efforts have significantly impacted the Chicagoland community.
Honorees included Chez Smith and Venisha Bonds, who received the Blood Services Hero award for starting a phlebotomy training program at Gyrls in the H.O.O.D., their non-profit focused on empowering young women.
Jacqueline Reed was celebrated as the Disaster Relief Hero for her leadership during the Austin floods in July 2023, helping make 75 homes habitable again.
Steve and Sheila Conner were named Education Heroes for their HEPH Foundation, which revolutionizes STEM learning and has reached approximately 20,000 learners.
Patty Samar, RN, BSN, was recognized as the Healthcare Hero for donating a kidney to a patient in need.
Nicholas DeLeon, a Chicago Fire Department firefighter/paramedic, received the Firefighter Hero award for his bravery during an active shooter situation at a grocery store.
Angela Thompson, a Chicago Public School Safety Crossing Guard, received the Community Impact Hero award for her annual holiday toy drive benefiting 3,000 families since 2009.
Global Citizenship Hero, Nancy Economou, was honored as the Founder of Watts of Love, a non-profit providing solar lighting and financial literacy training to underserved communities worldwide.
Youth Heroes Declan and Tiernan Devlin, Tommy Nitti, and Charles Valerio were recognized for rescuing a drowning man in Lake Ellyn.
Other honorees included:
- Chicago Police Officer Kenneth Griffin, the Law Enforcement Hero, for his mentorship work with youth through his non-profit ‘No Matter What’;
- Daniel Viayra Chavez and Joseph Elrod, Lifesaving Rescue Heroes, for saving an unresponsive child;
- Fred M. Williams, Jr., the Military Hero, for his guidance of youth at the Youth Conservation Corps; and
- Matt DeMateo, the Social Justice Hero, for his comprehensive support programs through New Life Centers.
Local mural artist Damon Lamar Reed created the artwork displayed at the Heroes Breakfast.
In 2023, the Red Cross commissioned Reed to create this mural on three sides of a building visible from the Kennedy Expressway. Wintrust graciously donated the mural space. Reed’s artwork highlights all five of the Red Cross’s lines of service: Disaster Relief, Blood Collection, Service to the Armed Forces, International Services, and Lifesaving Training such as CPR.
A 30-minute special produced by CBS 2 Chicago on the Heroes Breakfast can be found here.
The 22nd Annual Red Cross Heroes Breakfast was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors, including:
Champion Sponsors: CDW, ITW, Kirkland & Ellis
Inspiring Action Sponsors: Edwardson Family Foundation, Patrick M. and Jennifer Gallagher, Make It Better Foundation
Hero Sponsors: Aon, William Blair, CNA, Fresenius Kabi, KPMG LLP, Robert R. McCormick Foundation, Motorola Solutions Foundation, Nicor Gas, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., United Airlines, Wintrust
Interactive Technology Sponsors: Elevance Health, Stepan Company
Media Sponsors: CBS 2 Chicago, Make It Better Foundation
How To Help:
Visit the official American Red Cross Chicago Honoring Heroes website to learn more about the Red Cross Heroes Breakfast.
You can also help the American Red Cross with their lifesaving mission, and there are several ways to get involved.
- https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.htmlGive a financial gift and help people affected by disasters big and small.
- Volunteer! The Red Cross is powered by 90% volunteers, and your time and talent can truly transform lives.
- Make an appointment to donate blood, helping to ensure hospitals have access to the lifesaving blood needed for patients.
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