Red Cross Heroes Breakfast Raises More Than $1.6 Million, Powered by Matching Gifts and Community Support

On April 30, 2025, more than 800 guests filled the Hilton Chicago ballroom for the 23rd Annual American Red Cross Heroes Breakfast — an uplifting celebration of ordinary individuals doing the extraordinary. Hosted by the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, the event honored 12 exceptional people whose courage, compassion, and service have made a lasting difference in the Chicagoland community and beyond.

Led by CBS News Chicago anchors Irika Sargent and Dana Kozlov, the morning honored this year’s Heroes, whose stories brought guests to their feet in admiration. From life-saving rescues and groundbreaking community initiatives to lifelong service and acts of quiet bravery, each honoree exemplifies the mission of the Red Cross: to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.

Making her debut address as CEO of the Illinois Region, Kellie O’Connell welcomed guests and reflected on the strength and generosity of the Red Cross community. “Today’s heroes remind us that leadership, compassion, and impact take many forms,” O’Connell shared. “We’re grateful for each of them — and for all of you — for advancing this mission together.”

A strong showing from the American Red Cross of Illinois Tiffany Circle added to the energy of the morning. This distinguished community of women leaders plays a vital role in advancing the Red Cross mission by investing their time, talent, and resources — driving impact locally, nationally, and around the world. Photo courtesy of the American Red Cross of Illinois.

The event raised $1,645,000 thanks to the support of generous individual donors, corporate sponsors, and a powerful paddle raise mid-program. The Presenting Sponsor was UL Solutions, and the Champion Sponsors were CSX, ITW, and Kirkland & Ellis. The Mission Leader was State Farm®. Hundreds of individual gifts doubled up to $120,000 — thanks to matching gifts from the Inspiring Action Sponsors Make It Better Foundation, Edwardson Family Foundation, Patrick M. and Jennifer Gallagher, and Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan. A surprise $25,000 matching gift from the Scanlon Family further boosted the morning’s impact.

Midway through the program, attendees like Tom Jackiewicz, president of the University of Chicago Health System, had the opportunity to participate in a paddle raise, which helps fuel the Red Cross mission. Photo by W Biederman Photography.

The funds raised go directly toward the Red Cross’s mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering. The Red Cross provides 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, responds to 65,000 disasters annually, supports military members and veterans, offers global humanitarian aid, and trains thousands in lifesaving skills like CPR and first aid.

CBS 2 Chicago’s Irika Sargent and Dana Kozlov served as the engaging emcees for the occasion. Photo by W Biederman Photography.

2025 Class of Heroes

The 2025 Heroes Breakfast honored a remarkable class of everyday changemakers whose selfless acts have left a lasting mark on the Chicagoland community and beyond. Highlights included Aparnaa Ananthakrishnan, who mobilized a multi-state collegiate blood drive; Vince Carter, who has spent decades empowering Cabrini-Green youth through his nonprofit Project Education Plus; and Dion Dawson, whose nonprofit, Dion’s Chicago Dream, delivers fresh produce to over 4,300 households weekly.

Other honorees included Mallorie Hammerstein, a nurse who performed lifesaving CPR during a community baseball game; Jahkil Jackson, a teen who distributed more than 150,000 Blessing Bags to people experiencing homelessness through his organization Project I Am; and Tonika Lewis Johnson, who advances equity through housing restoration in Englewood.

Also recognized: Officer William Martinez of the Chicago Police Department for his youth mentorship and community policing work; Steve Newcomb, an IDOT Minuteman, who rescued two women from a burning car on the Kennedy Expressway; Payman Rajaie, a former refugee and humanitarian educator; Firefighter Kenneth Schulman of the Deerfield Bannockburn Fire Department, who led a swift water rescue team during Hurricane Helene; Rev. Chris Singer of Lutheran Church Charities, for compassionate disaster relief efforts; and Michael Tellerino, who pairs shelter dogs with veterans through his organization, K9s for Veterans.

“Receiving the Law Enforcement Hero award is an incredible honor and a reflection of the amazing team I have the privilege to work with every day. Thank you to the Red Cross for shining a light on everyday heroes through this meaningful and inspiriting event,” shared the Law Enforcement Hero, Officer William Martinez, Jr., Chicago Police Department. Photo by W Biederman Photography.

A Community Effort

The 2025 Heroes Breakfast’s success was driven by the unwavering support of dedicated leaders and generous sponsors, including the Hero Sponsors: Aon, William Blair, CNA, ComEd, Fresenius Kabi, Robert R. McCormick Foundation, Motorola Solutions Foundation, Nicor Gas, United Airlines, and Wintrust.

Want to be inspired? Meet the 2025 Class of Heroes and explore their stories in this powerful 30-minute special produced by CBS News.

How to Help

The Red Cross supports initiatives to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. It provides 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, responds to tens of thousands of annual disasters, supports military members and veterans, offers global humanitarian aid, and trains individuals worldwide in lifesaving skills like CPR and first aid.

The American Red Cross invites everyone to join their lifesaving mission, and there are several ways to get involved.

Give a financial gift: Donate to help people affected by disasters, large and small.
Volunteer: 90% of the Red Cross workforce is powered by volunteers.
Donate Blood: Help ensure lifesaving blood is available when and where it’s needed.