MARCH 19, 2025
ZIEGFELD BALLROOM
NEW YORK, NY
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
Inspiration Sponsor
VIP Reception Sponsor
Hero Sponsor
Cocktail Reception Sponsor
Visionary Sponsors
JILL AND JOHN COYLE
Humanity Sponsor
Hometown Hero Sponsors
Media Sponsor
In-Kind Partners
As of March 3, 2025
Welcome
by Tanya Rivero, Anchor, ABC 7 Eyewitness News
Introduction of National Hero
by Koby Langley, Division Vice President, American Red Cross
Accepted by Martin Thomas
Introduction of Disaster Relief Heroes
by Jill Coyle, Board Chair, American Red Cross Greater in New York with Brad Kieserman, Vice President for Disaster Operations and Logistics and Jennifer Pipa, Vice President of Disaster Programs, American Red Cross
Dinner is served
Red Cross in Greater New York
by Doreen Thomann-Howe, Regional Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross in Greater New York
Introduction of Good Samaritan Hero
by Zach Iscol, Commissioner, New York City Emergency Management
Accepted by George K. Healy
Words of Appreciation
by Lyn DeSantis, American Red Cross in Greater New York Board Member and Heroes Gala Chair
Dessert, coffee and music
Martin Thomas
Martin Thomas, a resident of Indian Rocks Beach, displayed extraordinary heroism and selflessness during the catastrophic events of Hurricane Helene. When the hurricane’s waters surged, Marty harnessed his experience as a surfer to aid his neighbors in distress. Utilizing his paddle board as his tool of rescue, Marty braved the treacherous floodwaters to save not only people but also their cherished pets. Marty’s initial rescue set the stage for a series of heroic acts, with him saving half a dozen more individuals, including seniors. Neighbor Ann Macintosh encapsulates the sentiment of the community, stating, “He is the epitome of a great neighbor and a great person.” Marty Thomas’s valor and unwavering commitment to his community during Hurricane Helene exemplify the true essence of a hero.
Click on image above to view video
FDNY Deputy Chief George K. Healy
FDNY Deputy Chief George K. Healy was off-duty and had taken off his shoes and settled in for the 18-hour drive to his family vacation in Florida when, on the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn, he came upon a severe accident that had caused traffic to halt. Without hesitation, he jumped out of his car in just his socks.
George approached the vehicle despite the spreading fire. He discovered an unconscious man in the back seat, obstructed by a caved-in passenger door and spreading flames. Assisted by a local police officer who shattered the driver’s side window, George managed to reach and open the door. Despite the man’s entanglement in his seat belt and the car filling with smoke, George and the officer successfully pulled him to safety before the fire overtook the vehicle.
Reflecting on his actions, George humbly stated, “I’m a New York City firefighter; that’s what New York City firefighters do.”
George Healy’s unwavering dedication to his duty, even while off-duty, and his heroic actions on that day exemplify the true spirit of a hero.
In times of crisis, the vital contributions of donors enable the American Red Cross to deliver hope and help.
When Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast two weeks apart devastating communities across 10 states generous donors helped the Red Cross to deliver relief and comfort for hard-hit residents.
As catastrophic wildfires devastated communities across California, crucial support from donors enabled the Red Cross to provide necessities like food, shelter, emotional care, recovery planning and financial assistance.
The Disaster Relief Hero award underscores the importance of collective efforts in bringing hope and healing to those in need.
DOREEN THOMANN-HOWE, LCSW
Regional Chief Executive Officer
American Red Cross in Greater New York
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the American Red Cross in Greater New York, it is my honor and pleasure to welcome you to the 2025 Red Cross Heroes Gala, a celebration of our humanitarian mission and those who make this work possible. This is my first Heroes Gala as CEO of the Greater New York Region. In my seven months leading this team, I have been awed and inspired every day by the dedication of our volunteers, employees, partners and donors to deliver the mission of the Red Cross down the street, across the country and around the world.
Whether providing assistance after disasters, helping our military communities, collecting lifesaving blood, teaching critical preparedness and lifesaving skills, or supporting our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners during international humanitarian crises, the urgent need for our vital mission is more present than ever.
As part of this special evening, we will recognize some very generous and committed partners as our 2025 Disaster Relief Heroes. Their generous support after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton devastated communities across 10 states and as catastrophic wildfires devastated communities across California made it possible for us to deliver hope and healing to those in need.
And we will shine a spotlight on two selfless and inspiring individuals:
• A resident of Indian Rocks Beach, Fla., Martin Thomas bravely used his surfboard to rescue nearly a dozen of his neighbors and their pets from rising waters during Hurricane Helene.
• FDNY Deputy Chief George Healy was off-duty and had taken off his shoes and settled in for the 18-hour drive to his family vacation in Florida when, on the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn, he intervened in a fiery accident and saved a man’s life.
To all of you, our supporters here tonight, I offer my deepest gratitude for your friendship and support of the American Red Cross. We would be unable to carry out our Red Cross mission without your steadfast commitment.
On behalf of those we serve, thank you again for standing with us.
Sincerely,
Doreen Thomann-Howe, LCSW
JILL COYLE
Chair, Board of Directors
American Red Cross in Greater New York
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the American Red Cross in Greater New York Board of Directors, THANK YOU for being with us tonight in support of such an important humanitarian organization.
For over 140 years, the American Red Cross has carried out its mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering thanks to the support of community-minded donors, volunteers, partners and employees.
Whether supporting New Yorkers displaced by a home fire, teaching lifesaving skills and preparedness education, collecting vital blood donations, delivering critical services to the military community, or working with our partners in the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network to respond to devastating world events, the work of the Red Cross has never been in greater demand.
In addition to celebrating the work of this American institution, tonight we will also pay tribute to some generous Red Cross partners as our Disaster Relief Heroes. We will also recognize extraordinary heroes Martin Thomas and George Healy whose courageous acts saved lives and inspire us all.
To all our supporters, your belief in us ensures that the American Red Cross will be there whenever and wherever it is needed. Thank you.
With gratitude,
Jill Coyle
Event Emcee
Anchor, ABC 7 Eyewitness News
Tanya Rivero is co-anchor of WABC-TV’s Eyewitness News This Weekend on 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. She reports Monday through Wednesday.
Previously, Tanya worked at ABC News as an anchor for World News Now and as a national correspondent for all ABC News broadcasts, including World News Tonight, Nightline and Good Morning America, where she was also a fill-in anchor. Tanya also anchored for ABC News’s 24/7 streaming service.
Right before coming to WABC-TV, Tanya worked as a correspondent at CBS News. She was one of the first national correspondents on the scene of the Uvalde, Texas school shooting. Tanya covered U.S. politics extensively and was the first broadcast journalist to interview congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, right before she unseated Joe Crowley. Tanya was also an anchor for CBS News’ 24/7 streaming service and has anchored hours of breaking news of history-making events, including the 2020 Presidential election; the Jan. 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol; the release of the Mueller Report; the overturning of Roe v. Wade; and the death of Queen Elizabeth.
Prior to CBS, Tanya hosted Lunch Break With Tanya Rivero on the Wall Street Journal’s digital network. Here she interviewed a wide range of luminaries in government, business, and culture. Tanya started in news as a “one-woman-band” at News 12 The Bronx.
Tanya graduated from Yale University and Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. Prior to college, she danced professionally with the New York City Ballet. Tanya is proudly Cuban-American and a member of NAHJ. She loves New York City and has lived or worked in four out of the five boroughs. She currently lives in Manhattan with her husband and two children.
Anu Aiyengar
Dorothy L. Alpert
Matt Barr
Tonia Bottoms
Katherine Brennan
Kermitt Brooks
Devika Bulchandani
Chairs of Affiliated Chapter Boards
Lisa Cooper Chair, Metro NY North Chapter Board
James Flannery Chair, Long Island Chapter Board
Jill Coyle, Board Chair • David Owen, Vice Chair • John Rhea, Vice Chair
Ming Chiang
Mylan Denerstein
Lyn DeSantis
Sudeep Doshi
Bradley Finkle
Marilu Galvez
Heather Goodchild
Ex-Officio Members
Zachary Iscol
Kelly McKinney PE CBCP
Joan Shapiro Green
Edwin B. (Ted) Hathaway
Steven Joenk
Russ Johnston
Radford W. Klotz
Tara Maguire
H. Conrad Meyer, III
Associate Board Members
Erin Phillips Hamad
Erin Moldovan
Rachel Rosenfeld
Peter Micca
Peter Riguardi
Mark Shelton
Meredith Spatz
Frank Stadelmaier
Funmi Taiwo
Emeritus Board Members
John B. Osborn
Peter M. Rapaport
National Philanthropic Board
Heather Wise
Jill Coyle
Lyn DeSantis
Jamelle Lacey
Diana Lara
Meredith Melling
Morgan Phelps
Fritz Sam
Mark Shelton Nekesha Shroulder
Doreen Thomann-Howe, LCSW, Regional Chief Executive Officer
Stephanie Dunn Ashley, Chapter Chief Executive Officer, Metro NY North
Dario J. Diaz, Jr., Regional Chief Disaster Officer
Jose Dominguez, Chapter Chief Executive Officer, Long Island
Andrea Grimaldi-Grafer, Regional Chief Volunteer Services Officer
Lallita Maharaj, Director, Service to the Armed Forces and International Services
Brandon Ponder, Regional Chief Development Officer
Desiree Ramos Reiner, Regional Chief External Affairs Officer
Susan Rounds, Regional Chief Operations Officer
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
American Red Cross Greater New York Region serves more than 12 million people in New York City, on Long Island, in Rockland and Westchester counties, at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and in Greenwich, Conn. We respond to an average of seven emergencies and disasters a day across the region home fires, floods, building collapses and more providing shelter, food, clothing and emotional support at no cost to those in need. We also collect lifesaving blood; teach important skills that save lives; and support veterans, military members and their families. All of this work is made possible thanks to our dedicated volunteers and the generosity of the American public.
March 2024 | New York, NY
Red Cross Heroes Gala
What a night of inspiration at the annual Red Cross Heroes Gala. 2024 Local Hero, Juan Dilone and his daughter are each congratulated by the previous award winner, Fritz Sam, and Metro NY North Red Cross Board Members. Photo by Up Studios
March 18, 2024 | Greenwich, CT
Donating Blood Together
After 26 years, Craig Burdett rolled up a sleeve to give blood once again, alongside his husband and Red Crosser Jose Dominguez. Photo by Chi Kong Lui
May 8, 2024 | New York, NY
Working to End Home Fires
During the New York City Sound the Alarm event, volunteers like Hannah (left) and Kehui (right) installed free smoke alarms and provided fire safety education to the residents of Woodside, Queens and other nearby neighborhoods. Photo by Chi Kong Lui
May 27, 2024 | Long Island, NY
Honoring Our Veterans
Long Island Red Cross volunteer Doreen Brienza places flags and decorations at the Calverton National Cemetery on Memorial Day to honor and remember the US service members who gave their lives in service of our country. Photo provided by Doreen Brienza
May 31, 2024 | Long Beach, NY
Preparing for Hurricane Season
The Long Island Red Cross stood alongside partners during a special press conference in Long Beach, NY, to highlight the need for the community to prepare for the hurricane season.
Photo by Desiree
Ramos Reiner
June 14, 2024 | Greenwich, Conn.
Enjoying Safety Town
Every summer in Greenwich, Conn., dozens of children take part in Safety Town, a comprehensive one-week safety education program. Photo by Kevin Suttlehan
July 6, 2024 | New York, NY
Prepare The Town: Brownsville
Our volunteers were out in full force at Prepare the Town in Brownsville to help teach residents hands-only CPR, how to get a free smoke alarm through our Home Fire Campaign, and what steps you can take to be ready for disasters. Photo by Brett Whysel
June 25, 2024 | Mount Vernon, NY
Senior Preparedness Day
The Mount Vernon Office of Emergency Management and Fire Department, in partnership with the American Red Cross, collaborated to support a Senior Preparedness Seminar at the Mount Vernon Social Adult Day Care Center. Photo courtesy of City of Mount Vernon OEM
July 31, 2024 | New York, NY
Celebrating a Life Saving Award
Paul Miller completed his CPR and First Aid training just four days before he put his skills into action to help keep a patron at 14th Street Y alive. For his actions, Paul received the Red Cross Life Saving Award for Professional Responders. Photo by Desiree Ramos Reiner
August 2024 | New York, NY
Welcoming Doreen
Doreen Thomann-Howe, LCSW, joined us as the Regional Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Greater New York Region. Photo by Chi Kong Lui
September 15, 2024 | New York, NY
DELTA Blood Drive in Manhattan
We are thankful to all the donors who rolled up their sleeves and donated blood during the Delta sponsored blood drive at our NYC Headquarters. Photo by Nathalie Sayago
September 25, 2024 | New York, NY
Tetris Creator Meet and Greet
Josh Dye, a blood donor, met the creator of Tetris, Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers, president of the Tetris Company. Josh won this opportunity by donating blood during a special contest collaboration to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Tetris. Photo by Chi Kong Lui
October 17, 2024 | New York, NY
Empire State Building goes red for Hurricane Relief
American Red Cross volunteers gathered at the Empire State Building for a special ceremony to celebrate the lighting of the iconic Empire State Building tower lights red in support of the ongoing response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton across the southeast. Photo by Kevin Suttlehan
October 30, 2024 | Bronx, NY
The New York Yankees hosted Red Cross volunteers who deployed during Hurricanes Helene and Milton as special guests in the Judge’s Chambers during Game 5 of the World Series. Photo by American Red Cross
November 3, 2024 | New York, NY
New York City Marathon
Congrats to the Team Red Cross for running 26.2 miles across New York City during the TCS NYC Marathon to benefit the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross. Photo by Jill Coyle
November 12, 2024 | New York, NY
We honored seven inspirational women who serve our country and our local communities during our annual Women of Service for America Celebration at the Women’s Veterans Grove in Central Park. This event is hosted in partnership with The Howard Teich Network, Office of Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright, NYC Department of Veterans’ Services, the Columbus Citizens Foundation and the Eastside WWI Centennial Commemoration. Photo by Lisa Weatherbee
December 2, 2024 | New York, NY
Light the World Giving Machines Times Square
During the holiday season, the Giving Machines campaign is a unique initiative sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that benefits local and global charities. Doreen Thomann-Howe, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross in Greater New York, stood alongside our volunteers and representatives from partner groups from across New York City and the country, to celebrate our participation in this year’s campaign. Photo by MP Nunan
16, 2024 | Bronx, NY
Spreading Holiday Cheer
Our Service to the Armed Forces team partnered with Turner Construction Company to spread holiday cheer for veterans at the Bronx VA. The team worked together to decorate a tree at the facility, served lunch for the veterans, provided fellowship and celebrated the season with music featuring a bagpiper. Photo by Rick GunterMan
17, 2024 |
Just days before Christmas and Channukkah, our volunteers supported hundreds of residents impacted by a massive water main break on Webster Avenue in the Bronx. In addition to providing temporary lodging, our team distributed meals, blankets and other supplies to residents in need.
Photo by American Red Cross
January 2, 2025 | New York, NY
Our team gathered at the New York Stock Exchange to ring the first Opening Bell of 2025 and recognize National Blood Donor Month. During National Blood Donor Month, we celebrate those who generously roll up their sleeves to help save lives and urge those who are feeling well to make and keep donation appointments to help the blood supply stay
The Friese Foundation is proud to support the American Red Cross and congratulates
National Hero
George K. Healy
Good Samaritan Hero
2025 Disaster Relief Heroes
From the members of the New York City Fire Chiefs Association
THANK YOU TO OUR TABLE HOSTS
Benefactor Tables
Equitable Foundation
Contributor Tables
Amwins Insurance
Brokerage, LLC
Consolidated Edison
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Patron Tables
Guardian Life Insurance Company
Howden Re
MUFG
New York Life
Frances Johnson
Willis Towers Watson
WABC-TV
Wells Fargo
Contributor Tickets
H Conrad Meyer III
Patron Tickets
Dorothy Alpert
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Ernst & Young LLP
Heather Goodchild
Joan Shapiro Green
Funmi Taiwo
WITH US!
Learn more about the Red Cross in Greater New York through our social media channels. We look forward to connecting with you!
